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”!

Grant Rangi

Background & Experience
Grant is an exceptionally skilled civil construction Trainer who is well respected by industry across Australia. Having worked in the Resources industry in Australia and around the world Grant has worked on major projects in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand for Tier-1 firms such as Exxon-Mobil, ERA-Rio Tinto and more.
With a philosophy bedded in the ongoing development of skills, Grant is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the ins and outs of the resources sector. He has spent the past 15 years dedicating his time to helping new and current resource industry workers take their careers to new heights with formalised qualifications. Above all, Grant’s passion is to pass on knowledge and to see students achieve success to the best of their ability.

Qualifications & Competencies
• Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
• Diploma Vocational Education & Training
• Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
• Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
• Certificate II in Civil Construction
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Specialisation 3 – Pipe Laying)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Specialisation 1 – Bituminous Surfacing)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Specialisation 6 – Tunnel Construction)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Specialisation 4 – Road Construction and Maintenance)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction (Specialisation 9 – General)
• Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
• Certificate III in Civil Foundations
• Certificate III in Conservation Earthworks
• Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Specialisation – Supervision)
• Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Specialisation – Operations)

• Diploma of Civil Construction Management
• Diploma of Project Management
• Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction
• Advanced Diploma of Project Management

OTHER

• COVID-19 Safety At Work
• COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control

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

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

Craig Underwood

I have over 35 years in the construction industry ranging from domestic to High rise developments. I was trained by master tilers from Europe where completion time for them was seven years for a qualification.

In that time, I have worked in some of Queensland’s Iconic and challenging projects. Within those projects I had worked with some of the state’s best tilers and mentored them passing technical and practical knowledge, which seems to be lost in training in recent time.

Within this time, I have seen hundreds of tradesmen and apprentices work under myself, where the lack of industry practice and knowledge was alarmingly high, and yet was deemed acceptable by their educators.

This was the turning point foy myself as a senior in the industry to change my focus on training the next generation. I have a enthusiasm to pass my knowledge to the next generation to build a better craftsman in knowledge and skills rather than just a tradesman with the basics to pass current curriculum.

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

Glenncelle Tamayo

I am highly conscious of making an impact in any team that I work with.  I have a strong focus on exceptional customer service and ensure that daily tasks are done efficiently and in a timely manner.  When I do my work well, it flows through to the rest of the team, and assists FTA in our strong client centric focus – of being a premium provider.

“In learning, you will teach and in teaching you will learn.  It’s giving your own knowledge and learning also from theirs.”

Daniel Bailey

Daniel comes with in excess of 18 years experience in aiding businesses carve out new market opportunities, while increasing account delivery and identifying new business opportunities.  He benefits from a board industry exposure spanning construction through to wholesale, training and education, technology and more.  A proven track record of driving growth and successfully managing portfolios worth upwards of $1.0M to $17.0M. Daniel has a strong focus on successfully building and developing relations at Director and C-Suite Level of service existing and future business needs.

Begin with “who” rather than “what”.

The good to great leaders understood three simple truths.  First, if you begin with “who” rather than “what” you can more easily adapt to a changing world.  If people join the bus primarily because of where is it going, what happens if you get ten kilometres down the road and you need to change direction?  You’ve got a problem.  But if people are on the bus because of who else if on the bus, then it’s much easier to change direction.  Secondly, if you have the right people on the bus, the problem of ow to motivate and manage people largely goes away.  And finally if you have the wrong people, it doesn’t matter whether you discover the right direction, you still won’t have a great company!

That’s a long way around to say; I come with a dedicated professional approach, and support companies to achieve their business goals with supporting and aiding them to have the most skilled workforce they can achieve;  with a strong belief of an end to end consultative approach which delivers with action and simplicity.

Melanie Hayes

Living where the country meets the sea I believe I’m warm, friendly, disciplined and always committed, I focus on building long-term relationships whilst maintaining a high standard of service. I have always loved working for and with people and am driven by my dedication for customer service to continuously strive and improve the construction industry.

I have been working in the real estate and construction industry for over 10 years. With this background, I find it easy to connect with all clients as I guide and support them towards their personal and professional development goals. You can trust I will make your experience incredibly rewarding.

Wisdom is not a product of learning but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it – Albert Einstein.

Charles Borg

Charles comes with over 20 years experience in the building and civil construction industries.  Already ready for a chat and to see how he can support clients in their workforce development and upskilling, keeping abreast of industry changes to be a point of reference and information.

Charles shows that anyone can learn, no matter at what stage in life they are, with determination and a can do attitude – learning is possible!

Tammie Hodgkinson

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)

Russell Zabel

Even as a child, I was passionate about these busy little insects. That was over 50 years ago. My first encounter was when my father caught a swarm of honeybees in a chaff bag, brought them home and shook the bees into a second-hand box. My enthusiasm rapidly grew. With the help of my father, I spent every opportunity available to grow my colony numbers. I owned 40 colonies of honeybees before I could drive. By age 19, I owned nearly 100 colonies of honeybees. After starting carpentry in 1974, I became a TAFE building teacher in 1984. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and Building Surveying. After leaving TAFE in 2013, I have devoted my entire work time to the bee business. I currently employ 2 workers to assist me in my growing beekeeping business. I have lived and worked in remote locations helping the local aborigines understand native bees. I currently manage 1000 colonies of Native bees as well as 250 colonies of honeybees. It’s all about bees!!!

I love interacting with customers and clients about bees. I believe I am a great educator and enjoy passing on my extensive knowledge of bees.

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Education
• Diploma of Teaching
• Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training
• Certificate III in Beekeeping
• Bachelor of Building Surveying
• Diploma of Building
• Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Building)
• Certificate IV in Building
• Certificate in Building Technician
• Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery

Neil John Betudio

I personally believe that training is my calling because every time I start in a new organisation, I end up becoming a trainer.

I fell in love with the entire learning and development process. I enjoy both the challenges and the rewards that the role has. Being part of an individual’s learning and development journey and helping them achieve their professional goals is one of the primary reasons why I chose this fulfilling vocation.

I have more than 6 years of training and development expertise in a variety of office settings.

I spent three years working as a workplace trainer for a major Australian telecommunications firm, where I gained expertise educating new hires in the areas of sales, customer service, and technical support.

Additionally, I have three years of experience working in the VET sector as a trainer and assessor, primarily for the Business Operations and Business Administration course areas.

I’ve gained knowledge of adult learning processes and principles as a result of these experiences.

Quote about my passion for training: “Challenges are gifts, providing opportunities to learn.”

Gilbert Balin

I am a licensed Mechanical Engineer with years of experience in Work Health and Safety in several different industries. I recently took on the role of a Risk Manager for one of the Philippine’s largest power corporations specialising in Risk Management and Business Continuity Management. I was appointed Safety Officer at Inspire Education and helped in managing and responding to Covid-19 cases at the workplace.

I am passionate in sharing what I have learned in work health and safety. I am driven on the idea that when you help someone about work health and safety, you are contributing to making a safer workplace.

“One of the most rewarding journeys that one can take is to learn a new set of skills and knowledge. This cultivates your character and equips you in facing life’s adventures.”

TAE40116 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
BSB41419 – Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
BSB51315 – Diploma in Work Health and Safety
BSB50420 – Diploma in Leadership and Management

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

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

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

Stef Chadwick

I have been a dedicated gardener and horticulturist for over 30 years and a professional trainer for 7 years.  My many clients range from industry workers, high schoolers, career changers, return to work parents and everyone in between. It seems that the field of horticulture has a very broad appeal, which makes for wonderfully diverse classes.

I am passionate about horticulture as well as sustainability and enjoy sharing that passion with others. I aim to work with my students learning and co-creating to encourage confidence and skills that will project them forward with their own horticultural aspirations. I encourage my students to cultivate relationships with one another, apply their newly learned skills, network amongst themselves and use their newly acquired skills in both their workplace and personal lives.

What sums up a quote from Stef regarding her passion for training “Is creating inspirational learning environments and communities, that connect people to the land”

My qualifications include:

• TAE40116 – Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
• AHC50410 Diploma of Horticulture
• AHC30716 Certificate 111 in Horticulture
• AHC31016Certificate 111 in Parks and Gardens
• AHC32816 Certificate 111 in Rural Operations
• AHC30916 Certificate 111 in Landscape Construction

Troy Mills

Troy has been working in the construction industry since he left high school. Working across a range of sites, from small residential to large commercial and council projects, has given him solid and wide-ranging experience across a variety of sites, skills and tasks.

Working as a foreman gave Troy the thirst to branch out and take his career to the next level by opening his own construction business in 2007. He grew his team to operate out of multiple locations across Queensland.

In 2016 Troy decided it was time to pass his wealth of knowledge and experience on to others by becoming a qualified Trainer Assessor.

Troy now dedicates his time to helping new and current workers in the industry take their knowledge, skills and experiences to new heights with formalised qualifications.

Having worked in the construction and horticulture industry my entire working life I am now looking to the future, pursuing new and exciting opportunities where I can give back and share what

I know about the trade I love through training and educating newcomers to the industry.”

Craig Stuart

Richard Hunt

Richard brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, with commencing his career in Training and Assessment in 1983.  Starting supporting the Queensland State Government with the upskilling of the Correctional Officers was a fast and furious induction into the world of training.

With 20 years of shaping roads, molding bends, navigating towards safer, smarter journey’s – I’ve learnt one lesson at a time!

Aaron Zimpel

Aaron’s journey in civil construction started over 25 years ago in his family’s business. After observing a significant void in effective training methods, Aaron discovered his passion for training. Aaron takes pride in helping others become compliant by providing qualifications and meaningful training.

Aaron loves his work and is super excited about the future. With five years of experience in the training industry, he can’t imagine doing anything else. Aaron is all about integrating technology into the modern workplace to make training more efficient, engaging, and compliant.

Aaron’s mission is to empower individuals with the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in construction. He is committed to helping bring about the revolution in training that is upon us, ensuring that it is practical, impactful, and prepares trainees for real-world challenges.

A family man at heart, Aaron spends his spare time with his wife and son. Aaron makes the most of his weekends and travels overseas whenever he gets the chance to ensure his wife’s happiness!