Skills Defined

Personal Qualities

Skill	Explanation
Strong ability to be innovative and creative	I enjoy designing things. In my apprenticeship as a fitter and Machinist, a Foreman use to come to me to make equipment for the workshop because he said I was a “cluey little bugger”. This could include jigs, tooling, equipment modification or trialling and modifying production systems. I received an offer to study Ideation at the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship in 2020. It is just a short course but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It taught me to look at problems a different way and how to accurately define a problem. I also learnt about ways to come up with multiple solutions, Prototyping and validating ideas. I believe that I am good at Identifying problems and Imagining alternatives and that I can and have in the course of my career applied these principles not only designing physicals time / effort saving equipment but to other areas such as: Marketing strategies and advertising OH&S systems Ways to improve people’s lives Simplified systems of work Simplified systems of training Innovated products and services Innovated processes
Strong ability to diagnose problems	Part of working as a Fitter required that I diagnose problems with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, diesel and sometimes electrical equipment. I often apply the divide and conquer approach to fault diagnosis or just study irregularities. I have also applied my problem solving skills to -other areas such as: Computer hardware faults Computer Network Faults Solving operational flaws in processes Controlling Risk in safety systems Improving systems of work Improving performance results Problem solving techniques that I use include: Fault Tree Analysis’s Root cause Analysis Systems of flow A / B testing Tweaking Troubleshooting The 5 Whys Problem Statements Logic Challenging Assumptions Brainstorming ICAM Investigations
Strong ability to work with my hands	Unlike most teenagers today, I use to enjoy making things, fixing motors and playing with electronic circuits allowing me to develop hand skills at an early age. This lead me to pursuing a trade in the metal industry where I spent 9 months in a Apprentice training centre developing skills such as: Scraping bearings Filing to fine tolerances Chiselling accurately Welding Marking out Assembling components Measuring to fine tolerances
Ability to prioritise tasks	At the start of each day, I write a list of things I need to do and prioritise them focusing on the 10 most important things. I also keep a calendar containing things I need to follow up along with appointments and other scheduled items.
Ability to work alone or part of a team	I enjoy working with other people. The best example I have of working as part of a team is working as a fitter underground in a production panel where although I had my own duties, I had to work as part of a team in a physically demanding role as well as ensure the mechanical integrity of equipment. Most underground mining salaries rely on production bonuses and there is a lot pressure to achieve maximum possible production. This means setting up the panel with everything needed to operate, being part of the production process coordinating tasks in synchronisation, setting up the next shift and communicating with the team, supervision at the surface and oncoming shifts. At times you often encounter strong personalities but at the end of the day, you all go home with the satisfaction of achieving something. Working alone often requires a lot of planning to make sure the scope of the task is known and you have all the equipment to do the job. This is particularly true when working in remote locations as it can cost hours if you need to source extra equipment.
Adaptability	I consider myself adaptable. I have studied a broad range of topics and worked in a wide range of roles. I am always willing to learn and enjoy undertaking new challenges.
Initiating new ideas	If I see an opportunity or and easier way to do things, I like to speak up and explain my ideas verbally or with the aid of a drawing, story board, wireframe or some kind of example that can aid the communication of my idea if needed.
Coordinating and planning tasks	Being proactive will save time, money and effort. Before undertaking any task or initiating a project, I try to determine the scope of the project as accurately as possible. This includes determining: Overall Scope Costs Quality required Resources and tooling required Number of man hours and human resources Risk and contingency plans To achieve this can involve the following: Forecasting and predicting Identifying problems Imagining alternatives Identifying appropriate resources Gathering information Setting goals Defining needs and requirements Analysing information Developing evaluation strategies Examples of application of coordination and planning include: Home and projects – trailers, fences, bike restorations, repairing farm equipment, renovations etc. Planning of maintenance days in mining Establishing new systems of work Monitoring and measuring progress during duties Drafting drawings and plans Coordinating operations with other contractors and workers onsite Participating in the design and implementation of safety systems.
Accepting responsibility	We all make mistakes. I believe in the policy of “admit it, apologize and be part of the rectification process”. I believe in doing my fair share of work and I like to step up and assist other workers when I see them struggling. Unfortunately, you just have to take the good with the bad, that’s life and it should not affect your attitude to the task. Everyone needs to do their fair share. It is important to hold yourself accountable to meet goals, deadlines and to deliver results. I find if you go that extra mile, you go home more satisfied and happier in your working life.
Punctual	I believe in being punctual and have a good timekeeping and sickness record.

Computer / Information Technology

Skill	Explanation
Computer Support	In 1999 enrolled in an Information Technology course at TAFE where I learnt about many aspects of computers. Some of these included: Desktop Publishing Spreadsheets Databases Operating Systems Network Support Business Information Processing Creating user documentation and training Maintaining equipment and software Providing network administration Building internet infrastructures Network Security Project Management Web design Create code for utility programs (Visual Basic) Network Capacity Planning Computer support then formed part of my sales mix in 2003-2006 when operating a small a small business. Duties included:Hardware Problems Installing Peripherals Backing up data Computer Training Network Support Web Design and Hosting
Web Design	I first learnt web design in 1999 at TAFE using fully HTML coding. I latter progressed to Microsoft FrontPage, Dreamweaver and NVU. I have recently had a look at two dynamic web Content Management Systems, Joomla and WordPress. Today I use mainly WordPress with a little CSS and HTML coding as WordPress has an abundance of features and support available.
Graphic Design	I learnt to use graphic design software 1999 at TAFE which I mainly in web design or to alter photographs. In 2003 as part of operating a small business, I found myself creating logos and designing promotional material with some print processes requiring vector images so I enrolled in a short Course at TAFE – Advanced Photoshop & Illustrator Basics (24363A) Graphic Design software I use includes: Microsoft Paint MGI Photosuite GIMP Paintshop Pro Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator (used for Vector Images) While I can use such programs and know a bit about print processes and modifying photos, I only rate my level as Basic as I feel I lack the artistic ability to draw.
Software	Microsoft Office – Both learning to use the Microsoft Office Suite and Support this package was a big part of my studies. I learn some advanced features in the 1998 and 2000 packages which enable me to teach and debug work by people using more the advanced features. Data Base design Spreadsheets were a major focus. Programs studied include: Word Publisher Excel Outlook Access PowerPoint Adobe Creative Suite – Adobe programs that I have used include: Acrobat Dreamweaver Fireworks Flash Photoshop Illustrator Binder Microsoft Project 98 – Project management was a large part of the Diploma in Network Engineering. The Diploma utilised all the subjects from previous Certificates into one major project where I had to: Conduct a feasibility study Provide advice to clients Confirm the Client’s requirements Install a complex network Build an intranet Manage network Security Resolve network problems Design a website Connect Network Peripherals Maintain system integrity Create user documentation Train Clients Develop a disaster recovery plan Project Management modules included: Manage Scope Manage Costs Manage Quality Manage Human Resources Manage Communication Mange Risk Manage Procurement Manage Project Integration MYOB – I learnt MYOB basics in 1999 at TAFE and used it to manage booking for my own business using skills I learnt at TAFE and guidance from my accountant. I also supported MYOB and MYOB Retail Manager for clients using these platforms.
Languages	HTML – I learnt to write for the World Wide Web using basic HTML in 1999 at TAFE and have since found it very useful to tweak pages designed on platforms such as Dreamweaver and WordPress. Visual Basic – I learnt the basics of this code at TAFE in 2001 using Visual Basic 6. Since then I have used Visual Basic code in MS Access databases and to tweak Macros in other MS Office applications. I would rate my programming knowledge as basic as I only touched on it at TAFE and it has been many years since I have used it significantly.
Computer Training	I learnt how to create user documentation and training subjects at TAFE where I used this knowledge in the major assignment in the Diploma in Network Engineering. I also conducted some training and developed user documentation whilst operating a small business offering computer support and selling promotional items. Since then, I have completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and have completed the Be Connected Digital Mentoring training for Maitland Community Services future planed programs.
Computer Qualifications	Computer qualifications include: Diploma in Information Technology – Network Engineering Certificate IV in Information Technology – Network Management Certificate III in Information Technology – General IT Advanced Photoshop & Illustrator Basics (24363A) Digital Mentoring – Helping Your Community Be Connected Digital Mentoring – Helping Your Community Be Connected A list of subjects in certificates are accessible on Qualifications page for more details.

Business Skills

Skill	Explanation
Book Keeping	When I operated a small business I used MYOB (Version 15) for all my bookkeeping. I also managed some quotes and expenses in Excel Spreadsheets. I learnt MYOB at TAFE as part of a Cert III in Information Technology and receive some guidance from my Accountant. No Payroll was ever required. Other bookkeeping and business training was achieved as part of the BSB 40401 – Certificate IV in Business – Small Business Management course which I studied in 2003..
Sales and Marketing	Sales were generated through cold calling, phone and internet enquires, repeat business and referrals / networking. I advertised in the form of a Yellow Pages advertisement, email and hard copy flyers and through my website using Google AdWords. I have since realised that times have changed and recently completed as Statement of Attainment in eMarketing for Small Business at TAFE which covered Social Media and customer interactive websites.
Quoting and Ordering	Quoting and ordering was a major part of operating a small business selling promotional items and supporting hardware.
Print Management and Product Supply	Selling promotional items such as key rings, pens, stubby holders, business cards and customised packaging meant that I had to learn a lot about printing processes and ordering from overseas. Type of printing used included: Flexographic Printing (Plastic Bags) Screen Printing (Various items) Pad Printing (Pens, Key rings) Offset Printing (Stationery) Dye Sublimation (Clothing, bar runners etc) Digital Printing (Various items) Laser Engraving (Mugs, key rings, etc) Embroidery (Clothing)
Customer Service	Working in most of my roles involved some level of customer service. Customer service was also extremely important whist operating a small business in both pre and post-sales matter. Customer service requirements often included: Commissioning equipment Assisting with customer enquiries Ensuring product quality Product support Assisting clients to resolve problems Providing solutions / new products to solve other problems they may have.
Planning	My experience planning from a business perspective was mainly obtained whilst operating a small business with some training received when I completed a Certificate IV in Business. Planning duties whilst operating a small business included: Forecasting sales Researching new products and suppliers Determining sales mix Market analysis’s Setting pricing Sales strategies Marketing strategies Contingency planning General operational planning
Providing Technical Advice	As a fitter, I am called upon to give technical advice regularly. Whilst operating a small business, the computer portion required a lot technical advice on subjects such as whether a computer is worth fixing, what computer to buy, what printer would best suit the client’s needs, network issues, what is the best software for a client’s purposes and easier ways to do computer tasks. In printing, advice given was usually in regards to what product would work best with the client’s marketing strategies and the printing process. I would often combine web design advice with some printing. For example I would recommend to a client that they buy a domain name and single page place holder web site with customised emails to people buying stationery, as it seemed pointless having to buy stationery as second time when they latter obtain a website.
My Business Sales Mix	Services Offered Hardware Support Data backup and storage Computer Training Network Support Web Design / Hosting Some Graphic Design Products Offered Plastic Bags and other Custom Packaging Keyrings Stubby Holders Caps Bags Pens Mugs Drink Bottles Umbrellas Clothing Business Cards Fridge Magnets Letterheads NCR Docket Books Brochures Stickers Note Pads
Business Qualifications	BSB 40401 – Certificate IV in Business – Small Business Management Statement of Attainment in eMarketing for Small Business A list of subjects in certificates are accessible on Qualifications page for more details.

Work Health & Safety

Skill	Explanation
OH&S Audits	My duties working as a fitter or labourer regularly involves conducting workplace audits, reporting findings and making recommendations to rectify problems.
Participate in formal risk assessments	Occasional on mine sites, power stations and workshops I have been required to participate in formal risk assessment and the development of safe work procedures and safety standards / policies.
Participate in OH&S meetings	Occasional on mine sites and workshops I have been asked to sit in on OH&S meetings as a representative from the floor.
Conduct Job Safety Analysis’s	In Mining, I participated in the development JSA’s almost daily for individual tasks that were not of a simple nature. JSA’s were usually conducted as a group and I often lead a group of workers in the development of JSA’s. Simple / regular tasks were assessed using a low level risk assessment (such as a Take 5) and done for every task. Each person will do their own Take 5 and should average about 3.5 Take 5’s a day.
Hazard Management / Risk Assessment	I have been inducted on many sites in the Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, Energy and Chemical Industries and I am familiar with many safety systems and a very wide range of hazards and controls. I have also studied OH&S as part of a Cert IV in underground coal and completed OH&S and WHS Diplomas where I used the Piper Alpha disaster as a case study for my major assignment. Every day duties in all occupations and sites involve managing hazards. Hazards are identified preferably at the work area and risks assessed using each site’s Risk Matrix. Hazards are identified by conducting JSA’s, Take 5’s, Site Audits or when noticing a change in work conditions / environment. A Hierarchy of Control is then used to implement hazard controls with the aim being to eliminate any risk. If this could not be achieved then the aim would be to lower risk to an acceptable, low risk / low consequence level before task would proceed. The residual risk is assessed again using the Risk Matrix and job will not proceed until risk can be controlled adequately.
Maintain Emergency Systems / Equipment	Part of OH&S Auditing is to inspect safety and emergency response equipment. As a fitter on mine sites, it is my duty to perform statutory inspections on equipment which also involves safety equipment. Any equipment that does not comply is replaced or taken out of service. This may include shutting down production until the system of work can be made safe.
OH&S Qualifications	BSB51312 – Diploma of Work Health & Safety BSB51307 – Diploma of Occupational Health & Safety RIIRIS402A – Carry Out The Risk Management Processes (G2) RIIOHS301A – Conduct Safety & Health Investigations (S2) PUALAW001B – Protect and preserve incident scene Numerous site inductions A list of subjects in certificates are accessible on Qualifications page for more details.

Equipment

Skills	Explanation
Front End Loaders, Tractors and Skid Steers plus various other Attachments	I have operated LHD Loaders, tractors with blades and buckets and skid steers / traxcavators both in mining and agricultural environments. Applications include clearing trees, road maintenance, dam construction, ploughing, fencing, slashing, lifting, hauling, drilling for shotfiring, pipe / service installation and vehicle / equipment recovery. Attachment used include: Winches, stone dusters, augers, slashers, water carts, tyre handlers, jibs, man baskets, hydraulic pipe trailers, rear grading blades for road works, salt spreaders, etc
Earth Moving and Fixed Plant Equipment	I have operated loaders, rollers, continuous miners, shuttle cars, crushers, coal handling equipment and steel processing equipment in the mining and steel industries.
Chainsaws and Outdoor Equipment	I have operated mowers, mulchers, blowers and chain saws in mining, agricultural and with the State Emergency Services. Qualifications include: FPICOT2239A – Trim and Cut felled trees obtained with SES and mine tickets for pneumatic chainsaws used to cut timber props underground.
MR and HR Trucks & Buses	I have operated cars, trucks and buses and possess a NSW HR, R, T Drivers Licence (open class licence – crash, synchromesh & auto). I have operate MR buses privately and trucks in the mining, construction, steel, energy, State Emergency Services, private and council settings both on and off road. Trucks operated include: Tippers, Pantech, flat bed, street sweepers, water carts and garbage trucks. I also have an R (riders class) and T (public transport) classification required to transport pre-paid public passengers for the Maitland Community Care Services.
LF forklift	I operated forklift in the early 90’s on a learner’s permit which Newcastle Engineering renewed each year and eventually obtained a LF Forklift High Risk License in 2013. I have operated forklifts up to 16 Tons on numerous sites and underground loaders up to 40 Tons in mine / workshop settings.
EWP (elevated work platforms)	I have worked out of scissor lifts, man baskets and EWP’s for most of my trade and eventually obtained a High Risk EWP licence in 2018. I have worked at heights in manufacturing, private, construction, mining, power, steel and state emergency services settings.
Lathes, Mills and Other Metal Cutting Equipment	I spent the first ten years of my career working mainly as a machinist and I am often called on to machine items as a fitter at various locations since employers know I have a machining background. Equipment used include: Lathes, Vertical Borers, Horizontal Borers, Millers, Planers, Shapers, Surface Grinders, Drills, Cylindrical Grinders, Key Cutters and Gear Cutters. All my experience has been on manual type machines.
Guillotines, Folders, Punchers, Rollers, Spot Welders, Presses and Other Sheet Metal Equipment	Sometimes my duties include light fabrication and sheet metal work. Sheet metal equipment which I have operated include: Guillotines, punchers, folders, rollers, spot welders, presses and pipe benders.
Overhead Cranes	Most workshops and industrial sites I have worked at have overhead cranes. Some places have a designated crane driver and others required all worker to operate these cranes. I do not have a dogging ticket but am allowed to lift from designated lifting points. The closest thing I have to a qualification is an Inspection of Lifting Equipment certificate obtained whilst working at Sandvik.
Welding and Gas cutting – Arc, GMAW, Braising and Soldering	Fabrication and repairs were a common part of my duties in the manufacturing and mining industries. Tasks included: The manufacture of component, construction, repairs to structure and equipment and making tools or jigs, needed to perform other tasks. Hot work training includes training received at Alcan’s Apprentice Training Centre (Arc Welding, Oxy Cutting, Oxy welding, silver soldering and braising) Arc welding at TAFE as part of Apprenticeship, Gas Metal Arc Welding at TAFE in 1996 as well as on the job training. I have also completed MDG25 – Safe Cutting and Welding in Coal Mines.
Pneumatic and electric power tools	I have operated a wide range of power tools in my career. This includes, drills, grinders, routers, shears, jack hammers, die grinders, rattle guns, jig saws, band saws, circular saws, planers, nail guns, heat guns, soldering irons, buffs and sanders.
Metal and Woodworking Hand Tools	Hand scrapers, chisels, planers, hand saws, files (to precise accuracy), taps and dies, spoke shaves, snips, reamers, hones, clamps, jigs and fixtures.
Measuring and Marking Out Equipment	Thread gauges, feeler gauges, micrometers, dial indicators, verier height gauges, verier calipers, verier protractors, trammels, dividers, telescopic bore gauges, string lines, lasers, precision levels, torque wrenches and precision squares.

Other Skills

Skill	Explanation
Training	I have conducted some on the job training mainly in the operation of equipment and computers in the computer, mining and manufacturing industries. I have also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Photography	I enjoy photography, travelling and exploring landscape while taking photos. I have used 35 mm SLR cameras since my teens and have had many digital cameras since about 2003. I am familiar with the following software and equipment. 35mm Film – Minolta XGM and Olympus OM-1 Digital – Cannon EOS 1100D and Olympus Tough Video – Phillips HC – V250 Camcorder Photo Editing – Adobe Photoshop and Paintshop Pro Video Editing – VideoPad (only basic skills – love to learn more)
Basic Electronic knowledge	Since I was about 8 years old I have enjoyed making electronic equipment. I have built two vintage Valve Guitar Amplifiers as well as many effects since I was a child and continue to make some projects with my children. The valve amplifiers I built are: Fender Bassman (from the mid 1950’s) VOX AC30 (from the 1960s)
Interpretation of Drawings and Technical Drafting	I studied Tech Drawing in High School and as part of my apprenticeship at TAFE. During my trade, I have used a variety of drawings including: Exploded Isometric Manufacturing Drawings Site plans / Architectural Drawings Hydraulic /Pneumatic Schematics Electronic Circuit Schematics and Electrical Diagrams. I occasionally get my drawing board out for projects as I do not have any CAD experience or software but I would love to learn.
General Labouring	Through the course of assisting my father with his property maintenance business, my working career and assisting friends with projects I have had experience in the following areas: Fencing (Colorbond) Concreting Painting Roof repairs Mowing Landscaping Paving Electrical Trades assistant (Toshiba) Mining Activities
State Emergency Service Activities	I joined the SES in late 2014 where I have been involved with activities including: Search and Rescue Flood boat activities Removal of trees and debris Roof repairs Sandbagging Public Awareness activities (shows, expos, schools, etc)
Agricultural Activities	I have acquired many skills at my fathers, relatives and friends properties mainly in the beef industry. Some skills that I have acquired include: Working with cattle Fencing Clearing Road Maintenance Dam Maintenance Slashing Controlled Burns Maintenance and repairs to farm equipment Fabrication of Gates, yards, buckets and other equipment
Public Transport	I have experience in the public transport working as a volunteer transporting aged and disabled people. I thoroughly enjoyed transporting these people and this role.