Heather Gardner

Heather has been in the construction industry for over 30 years which means she is super passionate about everything within it, most of all a no bullshit practical outcome driven result for our clients.  True to her commitment she decided that training needed to be way better, so she bought a business.  She is 100% dedicated to finding new and better ways for clients and FTA to stand out and be the best in knowledge and education.

Heather inspires us to think differently to create the best experience for everyone.  She is forever asking ‘can we do that better – what is the impact on our clients’ and she certainly doesn’t back down from challenging the status quo.

Otherwise: When it comes to down time, she loves getting out of the city nearly every weekend, into the simple things in life at her farm.  Spending time with family and grandkids (and the cows, who are technically family too!) and climbing the odd mountain here and there keeps her firmly grounded.  Oh! Not to mention she keeps us supplied in farm grown avocado’s and the best honey you could eat!

Joanne Brooks

Joanne has over 30 years in the education and finance sector, during which she has never tired of the thrill of watching the “light bulb” moment in students’ eyes. Her approach is that FTA don’t deliver education services, “we enable student goals to be achieved- get that promotion, go for that tender, build the business – that’s what gives me goose bumps!” It’s this passion for education and business that drives her each and every day.

Joanne is our Oprah, and inspires us to be the best in the game every single day, she cuts no corners when it comes to ensuring quality in all things we do.

Otherwise: When Joanne takes a break from us, she enjoys spending time with her family and is 100% a dog person. Her dogs are even trending on Instagram, yep they have more followers than you.

Grant Rangi

Grant is our Mega Rock Star Trainer.  He embodies our belief of lifelong learning with a massive 18meg file for his qualifications and that’s compressed!

Grant is an industry expert who shares his knowledge, wisdom, and experiences readily and freely with not only his students but with management on sites.   He is our go-to expert in everything about the VET sector.

Otherwise: In his downtime he enjoys time with his huge family and friends.

Tammie Mason

Not afraid of challenge, Tammie is a pro when it comes to all things customer service and delivering results. With over 14-yrs experience in the airline, hospitality and medical industries she brings a diverse bag of tricks from a life well-travelled. Her motto for her customers is “if you’re not happy, she’s not happy”, so you’re guaranteed a job well done each and every time.

Confession: When Tammie isn’t hanging out with her German Shepherd pup, Murphy. She is venturing around the country side seeking out the best mountain views, prettiest sunsets, best wineries or piece of cheese! 

Laura Zuber

Laura is from England, has lived in Spain and moved to Brisbane after travelling the world and falling in love with the city. She worked as a marketing manager and web developer before running her own award-winning photography business.

She believes in passion, hard work and nurturing skills and talent with positive motivation. She always wants to be learning and growing.

Otherwise: When it comes to down time, she loves climbing, travelling to as many different places as she can, reading psychology books and improving her extensive film knowledge! She has been to every Disney park more than once!

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Level Film Studies
• Advanced Level Photography
• Advanced Level English Language
• Diploma of Nutritional Science

“Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” – Dr Emmett Brown (Back to the Future)

Derek Kimble

Derek has over 25 years in the building and construction industry with an additional 15 years of training and assessment in the VET sectors. Derek has extensive experience in recruitment, training and employment of apprentices for private and non-profit RTOs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma of Project Management (BSB51504)
• Diploma of Management (BSB51107)
• Certificate IV Occupational Health and Safety (BSB41407)
• Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
• Builder – Low Rise
• Certificate III – Carpentry
• Certificate III – Fibrous Plastering and Solid Plastering

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” – Mahatma Gandhi

Salvatore Contarino

Although only relatively new to the education industry, my passion is grounded in a robust mission to make a difference. The culture and mission of FTA provides me the privilege to engage with individuals to seek and deliver ideal outcomes for their career advancement.

My “WHY” reflects a deep desire and determination to impact lives in the most positive way possible. To know that I can influence someone’s life and see them progress and benefit from my advice and support, is the most satisfying achievement I can ask for.

This is the heart and soul of who I am that fuels my motivation. Working with learners at our Success Connect Program, helping them find employment, and enriching their lives as a result, is a totally rewarding experience. I look forward to helping many more people embark on a journey with FTA, to enhance their lives for the better.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Queensland Certificate of Education
• Certificate I in Information, Digital Media and Technology (ICA10111)
• Certificate II in Tourism (SIT20112)

“ Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

Gareth Dawe

Gareth is a highly successful stonemason and builder of 20 years. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to site when working with our landscaping, tiling or building and construction students. Gareth is passionate about (and great at) tailoring the learning experience to suit each individual so they get the most out of their training.

Otherwise: Gareth spends his time on his farm with his family. Best of all, he has a tonne of hilarious stories to tell (our personal favourite is hearing the latest about the Alpacas!).

Geoff Chant

Daniell Goodin

John Scott

Justin Doyle

Justin has gained a wealth of experience having worked for more than 25 years’ in the landscape, civil and training industries both in Australia and overseas.

Andrew Albore

Helping and working with people is something that Andrew has done throughout his career and training is just one element of that. Andrew has lead a fulfilling, 15-year career, in painting and decorating and carpentry. He has great strength in working with students and a passion for the building industry.

Otherwise: When he’s not Training, you’ll either find Andrew surfing the waves, slopes (skiing) and even mountains (mountain bike riding) with his family, or he’ll be traveling overseas and brunching with friends and family.

Bob Ziebell

Bob has been in the construction business for over 35 years, he owns his own construction company which he started once achieving his first certificate. He has since then had a variety of roles within the conduction industry, seeing first-hand the gaps in proper training and factual guidance which fueled his ambition to become an assessor. He has now been a trainer assessor for over 6 years and believes to keep current you must live the part not act it!

“Do it once, do it tight, prove the student can do it.”

Craig Stuart

George Frilingos