Heather Gardner

Heather has been in the building & civil construction industry for over 30 years which means she is super passionate about everything within it.  Most of all, her authentic, no bullshit, practical outcome-driven result for our clients.  After many years frustrated at the quality of VET Sector training, and true to her commitment of people improvement – she decided that training needed to be better (way better!), so she bought a business.  With a steadfast commitment to inspiring leadership, knowledge and getting shit done, she works everyday on our purpose of Enriching Lives through Education. She is 100% dedicated to finding new and better ways for our clients and for FTA to stand out, and be the best version of themselves, in their skills and experience.

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.  She loves seeing our clients become qualified, and knows that through the skills development which FTA provides, we change the life of families.

Otherwise: When it comes to down time, she loves getting out of the city nearly most weekends, getting grounded in nature and 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 motivation high.  Oh! Not to mention she keeps us supplied in farm grown avocado’s and the best honey you could eat!

Margie Bradbury

Hands-on, solutions focused Management Professional with a career demonstrating visionary leadership, expertise and outstanding performance in business development, client relationships and service delivery.  Acknowledged throughout career for employing clear ideas, standards and integrity to the mix of leadership and decision-making; consistently wins the support of internal and external stakeholders through honesty, trust and persuasive communication.  Outstanding problem-solving abilities and a keen client need assessment aptitude.  Energetic promoter of new ideas and initiatives, and inspired by finding innovative ways and effective methods to deliver business goals and performance targets.

I have worked in the apprenticeship and training space for almost 20 years.  I love it!  I am passionate about all aspect of the sector and am keen to ensure that all who ‘work and play’ in the sector have a positive experience.

The skills, knowledge and experience that one gains through education provides security and empowerment.

For employers, my ability to assist with the future planning and skills needs for their business, through Skill Assessment and Training Analysis, provides a platform for relationship and influence.

Qualifications

• Masters of Business Administration
• Justice of the Peace
• Diploma in HR
• Diploma in Management
• Diploma in Frontline Management
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

“Everyday is a New Day”!

Roger Millroy

To empower and educate people everywhere so that they can improve their lives and achieve their goals, is my why! Achieved through my personal ethics for honesty,
humility, compassion, motivation and vision.

I am an experienced leader in vocational training with over 22 years’ experience in RTO customer service & compliance management. My experience being gained through
developing and implementing customised skills solutions for employers, leading and upskilling training teams to provide quality service, ‘cutting edge’ skills and embracing
Australian Apprenticeships, Group Training, and quality systems aligning to the Standards for RTO’s.

Being passionate about student education for me starts with directing & supporting trainer/ assessor personal drivers for great service and skills development to be able to upskill student behaviours to effectively meet new and emerging skills requirements for industry.  “I see my teams’ success in achieving their goals and engaging in their jobs passionately and productively as my personal success.

However, we never stop learning and growing!

Salvatore Contarino

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

Melanie Goffey

My background encompasses a wide range of industries and includes roles from Administration to Truck Driving and everything in between. Education is where I want to be – there’s something special about seeing a person grow, not only in knowledge, but confidence, and being part of their learning journey that is a very rewarding experience. It is also a privilege getting to work with a team of genuine, dedicated, passionate professionals here at FTA who work hard to produce the best outcomes for all students.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.’ – Nelson Mandela

Danielle Leslie

I am passionate about the story telling of a brand and how it can impact lives. A background in Marketing and the Creative Arts, my focus is delivering end to end creative solutions for a brand, utilizing creative expression balanced with supported data. Leading and partnering with inspiring teams, I believe in hosting an inspiring, safe work space that encourages boldness & entrepreneurial spirit.

‘Your life is an occasion, rise to it’ – Mr Magoriums wonder emporium

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of New Media Arts
• (Currently Acquiring) Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Chloe Contarino

Starting my administration career as a medical receptionist, I found myself wanting to make a bigger impact on people’s lives. I struggled to find an industry best suited for me, but I soon found myself here! FTA has supported me in completing a Certificate lll in Business Administration and now continuing my studies with a Certificate III in Accounts Administration – this is how I KNOW they are the absolute best in the biz!

It’s been both a professional and a personal goal of mine to make everyone’s day great and to help people as best as I can, and knowing that FTA has those same values, I knew this was the best place to be.

Qualifications

• Queensland Certificate of Education
• Cert l Information, Digital Media and Technology
• Cert lll Beauty Services
• Certificate III in Business Administration

“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”. – Dr. Seuss

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 the recruitment, training and employment of apprentices for private and non-profit RTOs.  Derek is passionate about people and their development and understands that the right assistance at various stages throughout a working career pays dividends.  Derek is our QBCC knowledge expert and assists and guides people through the understanding they require to achieve their goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma of Management (BSB51107)
• Certificate IV Occupational Health and Safety (BSB41407)
• Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
• Diploma of Training, Design & Development (TAE50216)
• Builder – Low Rise QBCC
• Certificate III – Carpentry (CPC303028)
• 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

Kayla Weathers

With 10 years of Civil Construction experience under her belt and 5 years in training and assessment in the VET sectors, Kayla is the industry expert that you want as your go-to professional for all things training.

Kayla values her clients and understands that at times, the training and VET sector can be confusing – so she gives 100% to making sure her clients know and understand what is the most suitable career pathway for them and is always exceeding expectations to achieve the best outcome.  Nothing is too difficult, she is a solution-focused person, who’s passion is everything about achieving the end goal.

Kayla will tell you herself,  she is not here to piss in your pocket and has the ability to encourage and influence individuals at all levels through honesty, and analytical thinking.  When you are passionate about the industry that you are in, the clients that you serve and the values that you hold high – everything is achievable!

Qualifications

• BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management

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.

Daniell Goodin

Daniell stumbled on the field of training and talent development by “happenstance” while working towards gaining currency for his next working adventure in life. Daniell began his trade career when he was 19 as an apprentice and worked his way through to an international business developer and senior manager across multiple businesses. His focus is helping people to improve their workplace and communication skills as well as enhance performance and career development.

“Sometimes I truly think I have been blessed in the pathways that have opened before me as a lot I’ve been involved with in my 30-year career has been related to developing people to bring out the best in themselves and others. I’m committed to my own lifelong learning and to the learning and development of others. For me, leaders are learners and leadership development that creates sustainable results involves helping people squeeze the most learning from their real-world developmental experiences”. – Daniell Goodin

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessing
• Diploma of Training Design and Development
• Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
• Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

Adam Maller

Adam has been working in construction for 31 years, supervising and manually working across multiple trades. Adam says he was taught the old-fashioned way but embraced everything new. For a period of 15 years over 50% of work for his own construction business was rectification work for the QBCC, this was an eye-opener to the lack of training, knowledge and workmanship throughout the industry.

“Seeing my apprentices after they had previously been put through poor training and theory led me wanting to pass on my knowledge to others. I have trained and coached sporting teams for over 10 years and using that with my studies of training and assessment and my vast experience in the building trades means I can deliver excellent teaching to students”. – Adam Maller

“Do something today that your future self will be thankful for.”

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
• Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
• Certificate III in Carpentry
• Certificate III in Concreting
• Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
• Certificate IV in Building and Construction
• Work Safely at Heights
• Business Management for Construction Industry
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Geoff Chant

James Makka

James started his carpentry apprenticeship in New Zealand and came to Sydney, Australia, shortly following completion. James worked mainly in the residential building area doing new homes and renovations. As well as subcontracting to builders, including wall & roof framing, fix outs and general carpentry work. Once James obtained his NSW builders license in 1995 he specialised in renovations, extensions & additions. Arriving in Qld in 2003 James built a house on the Gold Coast and has lived and worked there since.

“Training & Assessing was a step I took to pass on the knowledge I had acquired to pass on to future construction workers. I enjoy interacting with students and try to help them achieve their construction goals by understanding their needs and teaching them the relevant skills to do so”. – James

We don’t own the knowledge we have gained and are only conduits for it to be passed on, for further improvement

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessing
• Certificate III in Carpentry

John Scott

Brent Lindner

Brent commenced his building career in Landscaping, Horticulture, Concreting, Carpentry, Painting, Plastering and other areas of the building trades in 2000. He then, in 2007, transitioned from concreting to formwork carpentry working on high rise projects from 4-20 storeys through to residential, commercial and industrial works. Progressing in the building industry to take on roles including, site manager foreman leading roles alongside training and teaching apprentices.

In 2017 Brent focused his attention on Training and Assessment in the construction industry helping students strive to achieve their desired goals and career outcomes.

“Helping one person might not change the world but might change the world for that one person. Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success”. – Brent Lindner

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessing
• Certificate III in Concreting
• Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
• Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
• Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
• Certificate III in Carpentry

Craig Stuart

Brett Adair

Brett has been working in the Civil, Mining, Construction, Transport and Logistics Industries for over 15 years now. Developing a vast range of skills and experience from studying and working hands-on in all sectors. Brett has developed a passion to train people after years of studying himself and now wants to pass on his skills and knowledge to future students.

“I believe I can reach out to students in all aspects of training, which makes me an all-rounder trainer when it comes to teaching and helps the students to pass their qualifications. This is why I’m the right trainer and assessor to cover all your student’s training needs. I’ve been training and assessing over the last few years. I can honestly say I love the process and responsibility of helping and watching students evolve when training under my supervision. I’m an energetic person by nature, which energises the students. I take the time and put in the effort to see all students pass with the skills they need to be better at their job”. – Brett Adair

“It doesn’t matter what your background is and where you are from, if you have dreams and goals that’s all that matters. Train with me and let’s make this happen!”

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Plant Operations)
• Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision
• Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
• Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety

Adam Cox

Adam has been in the construction industry since he was 15 years old.  Adam has run his own building company for over 16 years and was trained with fine detail and efficiency in construction.

“I can’t train everyone, but I can certainly change the lives of those that I train and make them the best that they choose to be. This is exactly why I have a passion for training and improving the building industry. From winning awards to federal training committees, I have a wealth of experience as a Builder and a trainer. This is proven by just looking at my hairline”. 😊 – Adam Cox

If a learner is not understanding it one way.  It is my job to help them understand it 20 other ways if needed.  Everyone learns differently, that is the key to understanding your students.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Carpentry
• Certificate IV in Building and Construction
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Joanne Brooks

Joanne Brooks’ persona is down-to-earth, and her energy is contagious. She has spoken at many events, empowering and educating women and business owners across the country. Jo is a leading specialist in the field of business education, having founded and built her own start-up from zero to $30m in only 18 months.

Among this, her personal story has been likened to a Hollywood screenplay – a story that must be told.

With a career spanning over 20 years in finance and banking, and a further 15 years in education, Joanne has also educated and mentored hundreds of clients in commercial lending, career development and business acumen.

“I love nothing more than the lightbulb moments I share with my clients; knowing I can transform businesses and lives is extremely rewarding.”

Qualifications

• Diploma of Management
• Diploma of Financial Services (Finance Mortgage Broking)
• SOA from CPP40307 Cert IV in Property Services
• Certificate III in Financial Services
• Certificate IV In Business Administration
• Diploma of Project management

Crispin Arnison

Crispin has gained a wealth of experience from more than 30 years of experience in the landscape, Parks and gardens, Project Management and WHS fields.
His exposure to the many facets of the industries has allowed him to acquire and develop a uniquely broad skill set. Crispin thrives at the opportunity to share his highly developed skills to train and develop the next crop of talent.
Crispin’s career has followed a natural progression from apprentice, landscape assistant, Foreman, business owner, construction manager to trainer.
Crispin has been involved in many key projects in his 30-year construction career including many award-winning projects along the Eastern seaboard.
Crispin’s current role as a Trainer/Assessor allows him the opportunity to communicate with clients and students to achieve a positive result educating, mentoring and imparting off knowledge and experience.

“A plant needs roots in order to grow. With man it is the other way around:
only when he grows does he have roots and feels at home in the world.”
— Eric Hoffer

Qualifications

• Certificate IV Landscape trade certificate
• Certificate IV In Project management
• Certificate IV Frontline Management
• Certificate IV Occupational Health and safety
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE

Sean Allman

Sean began his career as a plasterer and labourer across South East QLD and is one of a few originals who are actually born and bred on the Gold Coast. After working 8 years in sales and marketing, Sean decided on a career change, moving into mining around 2008 and never looked back.

“I pride myself in safety, honesty and ensuring I enjoy each day and try to make the most of what life opportunities throw at me. I continue to learn and ensure I practice what I preach. I became a TAE trainer in 2012 and have never looked back. You will find as a trainer, I like to interact with my students and fellow colleagues as often as I can. I remain positive and would consider myself a safe educator & leader. Always learning, teaching & sharing my knowledge, within the safety, civil, mining, traffic & training industry. I believe your mindset & willingness, is key to a safe & productive work environment”. – Sean Allman

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Plant Operations)
• Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety
• Plus, multiple machinery SOA and Industry Short Courses

Ben Curry

The vision has always been to challenge the way individuals and organisations think, act and operate within the training, safety, mining, civil and emergency response industries. The focus is always to enhance knowledge, safety and production through sustainable education, cultural change and positive awareness following an all-inclusive strategically coordinated approach to a stronger and more resilient individual or organisation.

Ben is a highly skilled emergency response & risk management trainer and assessor/consultant with over 12 year’s experience in the Government and private sectors within Australia. Whilst he specialises in emergency response training and assessment, other areas such as safety, civil construction, mining, traffic management and first aid are also industries he delivers on. Bens focus is to ensure adequate planning, coordination and leadership are evident in any of the training conducted as well as demonstrating a strong focus towards delivering practical, innovative and industry-specific training needs that exceed the student or client’s requirements and expectations.

“I am a resilient leader delivering results with RTO compliance, auditing, course development, material improvement and hands-on sales and training. With a solid operational background and a strategic management focus, I have a proven track record to develop and execute effective training and assessment strategies across diverse industries to individuals and teams of all sizes”. – Ben Curry

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic management)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Plant Operations)
• Certificate III in Surface Extraction
• Certificate IV in Work, Health and Safety
• Diploma of Work, Health and Safety
• Diploma of Business