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.

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

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! 

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 starting my own Cert lll in Business Admin – 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

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 recruitment, training and employment of apprentices for private and non-profit RTOs.

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

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”!

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.

Adam Maller

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

• Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31211)
• Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31411)
• Certificate III in Capentary (CPC30211)
• Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30313)
• Certiticate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining ( CPC31211)
• Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40110)
• Work Safety at Heights (RIIWHS205D)
• Business Management for Construction Industry (7466)
• Certificate IV in Training and Assesment (TAE40116)

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

Travis Knight

I started working with my dad very early on and him and his supervisors taught me a lot of what I know today. I was your typical smart-arse teenager and thought I knew everything but soon realised I didn’t know that much! I started working as a labourer and was lucky to meet and team up with some great guys who taught me everything they knew. I have always been told to pay it forward and enjoy what you do. Being able to learn means you can teach and pass on knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate III in Plant Operations (RII30815)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (RII30915)
• Certificate III In Landscape Construction (AHC30916)

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.

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.”

Douwlene Burdett

I started in the VET industry to encourage and assist in the upskilling and professional development of adults. I wanted to be a part of their journey, a part of inspiring adults to take control of their lives through education.

I currently facilitate learning in Project Management, Leadership, as well as Training and Assessment.

Through my training and consulting business, I work with businesses in setting up best practice, ensuring compliance and legislation is followed.

My project management experience started many years ago when I was involved in new residential property developments, and now extends to projects focused around business growth and development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BSB51918 Diploma of Leadership and Management
• TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design & Development
• BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management
• BSB40515 Certificate IV in Business Administration
• BSB51107 Diploma of Management
• TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Prince 2 Foundation Certification
• BSB50207 Diploma of Business

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ― W.B. Yeats

Geoff Chant

Daniell Goodin

John Scott

Craig Stuart

George Frilingos

Ammon Berlowitz

I started my career as an apprentice and have merged into a lot of trades throughout my career.

I was also a small business owner who had to learn the ropes on my own. I am now passionate about helping others shortcut the mistakes I made by teaching them how to work more efficiently and with great quality.

Tanika Berlowitz