Meet the team behind our IRATA training centre – a team of highly skilled, passionate, and experienced rope access professionals dedicated to developing the next generation of technicians. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to safety, quality, and mentorship, our instructors bring a wealth of industry knowledge to every course.
We asked them a few questions to help you get to know the faces behind the harnesses – read on to hear what Dan had to say.
Read Steph’s answers here.
Meet Dan:
How long have you been working in the rope access industry? 15 Years
What originally drew you to rope access as a career? I enjoy hands on outdoor work environments rather than a desk-based job and I love to rock climb so when I saw an ad for a job that stated “Abseilers Wanted” I jumped at the chance.
What’s your background before becoming an IRATA trainer? I was working on the ropes in the Perth CBD and casually working as an Outdoor Ed instructor.
What do you enjoy most about being an IRATA trainer? I enjoy meeting the new people each week and learning from them also. I find the training environment much more engaging and exciting than just hanging from a building.
What’s one thing you always try to instil in your trainees? A level of self-confidence and can-do attitude.
What advice do you give to someone going for their Level 1/2/3 assessment? Keep the systems simple, count your points of attachment before each manoeuvre and relax. Have fun, it’s just rope access.
What’s your most memorable moment on the ropes? Being with a great crew back in the day, they know who they are if they’re reading this.
If you weren’t in rope access, what do you think you’d be doing instead? Going for my level 1’s
What do you like to do when you’re not training or working at height? Rock climbing, camping and hanging with my close family.
Coffee or tea? Coffee of course!
City views or remote cliffs? Remote cliffs (rock climbing potential).
Most-used piece of kit? Harness, without it I can’t use the other stuff lol.
Favourite climbing destination or location you’ve worked in? With my climbing experience so far, I’d have to say Peak Head in Albany and The Porongurups. Favourite work location so far would have to be Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. Rock Climbing and Abseiling with school groups whilst dolphins are jumping out of the Indian Ocean below.
