Full Name: Paul Allan

Job Title: Training Team Leader

Years of Experience in Vocational Education: 3 years

Certifications & Qualifications:

• Level 5 National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution Live Work Glove and Barrier up to 33kV) 
• Level 4 National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution Live Work Stick up to 66kV) 
• Level 4 National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution) 
• Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching 
• Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Fault Response and Switching) – Distribution Fault Response
• Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Fault Response and Switching) – Distribution Network Switching
• Level 3 National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic), Distribution Infrastructure
• Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Field Switching) 
• Level 2 National Certificate in Electricity Supply 

What courses or programs do you specialize in?

• Line Mechanic
• LV & HV Live Line
• EWRB Refreshers
• Field Audits / Investigations
• Working at Heights

What inspired you to become a trainer?

I love the distribution industry and what it has done for me, and so for me I felt like this was my way of giving back to the industry.

What do you love most about training and teaching?

It’s that you are constantly learning from day to day, albeit from other peers or the trainees themselves, passing this knowledge on to potentially better their own skills, ensuring we keep building the future of our industry.

Do you have a favourite quote or piece of advice that guides you? 

“You cannot regulate nor audit your way to Excellence. These things will only get you to compliance. Excellence is something further than compliance, it comes from within, it requires commitment and effort, it must be strived for every day. It is a combination of Skill, Knowledge, Process and Attitude at the highest levels. It takes commitment and sacrifice. Commitment to always do the very best, not only at the things we like to do, but at the things we don’t like to do. Sacrifice… for the team, the task and for our own and others development. Above all it takes Humility. Humility to know and accept that we can always do better, go further, learn more.”

When you’re not training, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

Spending time with family and friends, getting away from civilisation in the caravan, fishing, cooking, sports

What’s the best piece of career advice you give to students? 

Be a sponge, soak up the knowledge around you, don’t be afraid to stand up and share your knowledge, experiences for others to learn from as well.