2019 ACT Teacher/Trainer of the Year prepares renewables industry leaders

Ken Wilson has been named the 2019 ACT Teacher/Trainer of the Year. Ken provides students at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) with a practical understanding of the risks they will face working in the Wind Energy Industry, ensuring they adhere to global safety standards and technical practices.

Ken is passionate about Vocational Education and Training (VET). "Training must be inclusive and supportive so that all students reach their potential," Ken said. For Ken, this means getting to know each of his students, tailoring learning methods to their needs, and liaising with employers to support placements for those not currently working within the industry.

CIT delivers courses accredited by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO). Through Ken's diligent instruction, CIT students undertake GWO Certified Technical and Safety training to assess and manage the risks they will face working on wind turbines and ensure an injury-free work environment.

"For me, the most challenging aspect of the GWO course is to make sure my students leave CIT with their thinking caps on so they can safely, calmly and quickly react to an emergency if it ever occurs," Ken said.

Ken's instructional approach combines 12 years of comprehensive trade training in the Royal Australian Air Force with professional qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Psychology and Learning.

Ken missed the ACT Training Awards ceremony as he was in the UK upgrading his GWO qualification and undertaking the GWO Sea Survival training certification through which he can deliver training on safety procedures for crews working on off shore wind turbines.

Ken is a finalist in the Australian Training Awards, which will take place in Brisbane on 21 November.