Q&A with JMK Training
The coatings industry in Australia is experiencing rapid change, with increasing demand for skilled professionals and a growing need for industry-aligned training. We caught up with Jim Ragg – Training Manager at JMK Training, one of our newest Train the painter affiliate providers, to learn more about their goals, experience, and vision for supporting the Australian coatings sector.
Please give us a brief background of your industry experience.
I am an experienced and educated professional with over 40 years in the coating industry, specialising in marine and coating applications. Proven track record of 15+ years in training operations, successfully guiding apprentices to become skilled tradesman. Certified AMPP Coating inspector with a Certificate III in Surface preparation and Coating application and a Corrodere approved trainer.
How is the current coating industry climate in Australia?
Today’s climate in the Australian industrial coatings industry brings many challenges for business, from complex specifications to finding suitably trained and skilled operators. With major growth in the Australian Defence sector the strain on obtaining skilled employees will have a massive impact on the resource industry.
Why have you decided to set up JMK Training in Australia?
JMK Training was established by three directors with extensive experience in the industry, who identified consistent gaps in training and development across contractors. Recognising the recurring challenges faced by the workforce, they sought to provide tailored solutions, supported by industry experts, to help bridge these gaps and meet the evolving needs of the sector.
The need for such training has been identified by recognised industry bodies such as PCCP and CSIRO, which have documented the shortage of training programmes that meet national contractor standards.
Why have you chosen to offer Train the painter courses and what benefit do you think it will offer the Australian coatings industry?
JMK Training chose to offer the Train the painter programme to the Australian coatings industry for several reasons, the course was developed by well-known industry experts such as Brendan Fitzsimons and is approved by Lloyds Register. The qualification is internationally recognised.
The online platform is easy to use and very informative. Flexibility to the end user and the suite of courses available to industry. Train the painter will give Australian businesses an alternative to the current pathway. The benefit to the industry will be the ability to get their staff upskilled and trained to a high standard, efficiently and on their own site.
Which courses are you planning to offer?
JMK currently offer the following courses: Protective Coating Applicator, Abrasive Blast Cleaning, Spray Painting. Once all courses are completed the candidate can be awarded a gold card.
The above courses cover the main aspects of Abrasive blasting and Coatings application used in today’s industry.
How will you be offering Train the painter in Australia?
Train the painter is offered as either an online or classroom-based theory session followed by theory and practical assessments delivered at the client’s premises Australia wide.
How do you see your business evolving in the future?
JMK Training will continue to expand its suite of courses to meet industry needs, we listen to the people who matter in industry and will work with you to find a solution.
There are areas in the coatings industry that training is either lacking or not available at all and we intend to work with stakeholders to overcome the shortfalls.
If you’re looking for Protective Coatings Application training in Australia please get in touch with JMK Training.
Interested in becoming a Train the painter Affiliate provider or Registered Company? Find out more
