Chris has worked in carpentry since 1999 and brings a fundamentals first mindset to training. He strongly reinforces level and plumb work and the importance of eye and ear protection on every job. Years on site taught him how carpentry underpins every other trade on a build.

Chris encourages apprentices to learn early how to read building plans properly and speak up when unsure.

Rhys has worked in boilermaking since 2010 and joined Blue Dog Training in 2021. He is quick to point out that boilermakers are not just hard workers, they are sharp thinkers too. Getting your welder set up properly from the start is a skill he pushes early, along with protecting your hearing on every job.

Rhys encourages new starters to ask plenty of questions and enjoys passing on skills that help shape the next generation of trades.

Ben has worked in carpentry since 2011 and brings humour and honesty into every session. Cutting two left stair stringers early on taught him the importance of slowing down and double checking before committing to a cut.

He encourages apprentices to ask questions early, avoid assumptions, and clears up the common myth that carpentry has anything to do with laying carpet.

Kim has worked in diesel and mechanical fitting since 2009 and joined Blue Dog Training in 2024. He encourages new starters to back themselves, keep a can do attitude, and be willing to learn.

Kim focuses on mastering the basics early, including using a tape measure properly, wearing safety glasses at all times, and taking pride in skill development.

Damon has worked in carpentry since 2011 and brings an approachable, hands on style to training. A tough joist install early on showed him the value of stopping, reassessing, and planning before pushing ahead.

He focuses on safe work practices, correct material handling, and helping apprentices understand the why behind each task. Damon also highlights that carpentry offers more than one pathway beyond the tools.

Shaun has been in fitting and machining since 1989 and joined Blue Dog Training in 2025. He is passionate about showing apprentices that fitting and machining is a highly skilled trade.

He encourages hard work, asking questions, mastering the tape measure, wearing PPE, and takes pride in seeing learners progress.

Lachlan has worked in carpentry since 2001 and brings a sharp focus on craftsmanship and detail into training. Years of finishing work have taught him that internal mitres and final touches leave no room for shortcuts.

He encourages apprentices to scribe accurately, use proper PPE, and understand that carpentry is a physically demanding and highly technical trade. Lachlan enjoys sharing knowledge and helping apprentices build skills that last a career.

Garrick has worked across multiple trades since 1988 and joined Blue Dog Training in 2015. He enjoys breaking the myth that electrical work is simple, showing students just how much skill is involved.

He encourages learners to master measurement early, take safety seriously, and appreciate the range of opportunities trades can offer. Garrick’s favourite part of training is seeing students succeed.

Tyrone has been in carpentry since 2010 and is big on accuracy and doing things properly. An early lesson cutting a door too short reinforced the importance of measuring twice and slowing down.

He encourages apprentices to read levels correctly, ask questions early, and recognise the wide skill set required across modern worksites.