I still get a real buzz being in a training room even after the 20 years or so that I've been doing it. I think I can trace my desire to teach way back to a primary school teacher but it was something that took a few years to achieve. My first experience was as a workplace assessor for a student on a degree course and it wasn't long before the University was asking me to speak to groups of students so it seemed a logical step to apply for a job in a training section. I'm not sure I was very good at it in those days, I was probably a little too teacher focussed and content led. Those early years were in a social services department in the UK and it was there that I learned to work in the communication skills area and with multi-agency groups. I have managed training teams but the lure of the training room has always been greater than the executive board room.

 

I moved into private practice in the late 80's and have enjoyed the freedom and scope that that has given me. It has allowed me to work in areas that I have a particular interest in as well as offering me new challenges. On the welfare side of my work I run courses as wide ranging as dealing with child abuse to preparing non-Government organisations to tender for work. More generally, I enjoy facilitating Workplace Trainer and Assessor courses, supervisory and change management, team development and building programs. I have won a training excellence award for work with new migrants and I have a good reputation for working with Aboriginal learners.

 

I have a strong belief that people are both able and keen to learn and that the trainer's job is to create an environment that helps that happen. I have recently completed an eLearning Diploma which has equipped me to design and run web based courses and I am looking forward to putting that into practice later in the year.

 

I visit the UK every year where I deliver training and keep abreast of developments. I have also worked extensively in all regions of WA and less often in other States. A major highlight of 2004 was working with a group of Social Work Students in the Seychelles.

 

Outside of work I am in a book club, and a music club (try a book called Cloud Atlas and the latest Richard Thompson CD). I volunteer at Nannup Music Festival and for the past 2 years I have produced their CD. I sit on the board of the Western Institute of Self Help and I'm active in Adult Learners Week and a range of community events.