"I have been with PETA for over 24 years now and one of the reasons is PETA is like a family and has solid values. Plus, I love training."
What led you to work for PETA?
I entered the Army as a boy soldier in 1972, served around the world. Left at the rank of Sergeant after 24 years, 49 days for Queen and country and building and maintaining strong relationships with all ranks. I was responsible for training both new and current personnel in various areas concerned with military life and trade qualifications in the role of Port Operations. I then became an instructor/tutor of all types of lift trucks, cranes and earth moving machines; responsible for day-to-day running of an independent training unit organising and problem solving, completing manpower analysis for training needs, maintaining training records, writing job descriptions/training programmes, pro-active and sourcing of training.
When I left the Army in 1997, I worked as an Operations/Contract controller for a logistics company. I was the first point of contact for all customer and staff requirements, responsible for identifying staff training needs and problems. I observed the Health & Safety at Work Act throughout the company, and remained aware of all current and forthcoming Health & Safety Legislation. I prepared and controlled budgets for staff and training and maintained records of all Safety, Health and First Aid matters. I also did in-house Safety Training and ensured the smooth running of all operations and contracts within the company.
During this time the company has no proper Health & Safety, and this is when I looked in the Yellow Pages and found a company called PETA. This is how I found out about PETA.
My first contact from PETA was a good guy called Alan Sherlock. Alan being ex-navy and me being ex-army we clicked from the start. I then started using PETA for all my Health & Safety requirements. Then a couple of years down the line I got made redundant and when Alan Sherlock heard about it he asked me if I would like to become a lift truck instructor for PETA. This wasn't something I thought of as a career, so at the time I said yes, just to tide me over till I found another path.
So, on 1st March 1999 I became the first permanent PETA lift truck instructor! But as you can see, I'm still here. I have been with PETA for over 24 years now and one of the reasons is PETA is like a family and has solid values. Plus, I love training.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
My role in PETA is Senior Lift Instructor. I don't just instruct on lift trucks but various other machines too, plus I am a tutor which means I train people to be instructors on all machines which I hold a certificate on. I love to pass on my knowledge and experience, this is why I am very passionate about my trade and position in PETA.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
I approach my role with a can-do attitude every day with the skills I have from many years' experience and knowledge from the ground upwards.
What are your personal values and what is important to you?
I just love training people to be the best they can.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I am passionate about my family first and I always believe in being firm, friendly and enthusiastic about everything I do.