Meet the Team
Our trainers and staff bring real industry experience to everything we do. We're passionate about practical, no-fuss training that makes a genuine difference in your workplace.
LEADERSHIP

Cheif Executive Officer
Joe Ivisic
Joe is the CEO of STAR Education and brings a strong background in business leadership, industry engagement, and operational management. With a practical, hands-on approach, Joe is committed to building training solutions that are industry-focused, compliant, and responsive to workforce needs across Australia. ​Working closely with trainers, students, and industry partners, he plays a key role in ensuring STAR Education maintains high standards in both training delivery and student experience. Joe is passionate about creating accessible, real-world training that supports safer workplaces and meaningful career outcomes. ​ His leadership focuses on continuous improvement, strong industry relationships, and maintaining a professional learning environment that reflects the values and expectations of the vocational education sector.

RTO Manager
April
April is the RTO Manager at STAR Education and brings extensive experience across operations, compliance, governance, and strategic leadership within the vocational education and training sector. With a strong background in managing training operations and regulatory compliance, April is focused on ensuring STAR Education delivers high-quality, industry-aligned training and a positive student experience. ​ Having worked across both national and international education environments, she plays a key role in overseeing compliance systems, operational processes, student administration, and continuous improvement across the organisation. April works closely with trainers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory requirements to ensure STAR Education maintains strong standards, professional delivery, and practical, real-world outcomes for learners. She is passionate about creating a supportive and well-structured training environment that reflects professionalism, quality, and industry expectations.
OUR TRAINERS
All STAR Education trainers hold Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and bring hands-on industry experience to every session.

Class 1 Explosives Trainer
Craig Smith
Craig brings over 30 years of industry experience across transport, logistics, and the safe handling of dangerous goods and explosives. ​ With a career spanning both the Australian Defence Force and the civilian transport sector, Craig has developed extensive hands-on expertise in high-risk environments, working under strict safety and regulatory frameworks. He has spent over 25 years as a qualified trainer and assessor, delivering training across dangerous goods and explosives transport for both government and industry. Craig has played a key role in developing training programs and assessment materials for organisations including the Defence Force and regulatory bodies. His experience includes coordinating driver training programs, conducting OHS audits and investigations, and working closely with government agencies, contractors, and industry leaders to ensure safe and compliant operations. Craig leads the delivery of Class 1 explosives training and assessment, helping students confidently meet regulatory requirements and licensing standards. Craig is known for being approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to get along with. He creates a relaxed and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable, engaged, and confident to ask questions. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and ensuring every student walks away with practical skills they can apply safely and effectively in the real world.

Dangerous Goods trainer
Gary Johnson
Gary brings over 30 years of experience across transport, mining, bulk fuel logistics, safety, and operations management. Throughout his career, Gary has held senior operational, training, and leadership roles with some of Australia's largest transport and fuel organisations. His experience spans bulk dangerous goods transport, aviation fuel operations, terminal management, heavy vehicle operations, and large-scale project management across mining and logistics environments. As a qualified trainer and assessor, Gary has delivered training in Dangerous Goods, Chain of Responsibility, Safe Load Program, Aviation Fuel Operations, and Heavy Vehicle Driver Safety. His extensive hands-on experience, combined with his training background, allows him to bring practical, real-world insights into every course he delivers. Gary has worked extensively across remote and regional Australia, including major mining and fuel operations throughout Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Victoria. He also holds qualifications in Training and Assessment, Work Health and Safety, Driver Training, and Heavy Vehicle Driver Training. Known for his approachable and engaging style, Gary is passionate about helping students understand not just the rules and regulations, but how to apply them safely and effectively in real-world environments. His focus is on building confidence, competence, and a strong safety culture among the people he trains.

Dangerous Goods trainer
Wayne
Wayne brings extensive hands-on experience across transport, logistics, and dangerous goods operations, with a strong focus on safety and real-world application. With a career spanning over two decades in the industry, Wayne has worked across bulk fuel, gas, and general freight environments, giving him a strong practical understanding of dangerous goods transport in high-risk settings. He has developed strong expertise in the application of the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and Hazchem system, including areas such as placarding, segregation, documentation, loading and unloading operations, and emergency response procedures. Wayne holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and maintains current dangerous goods licensing. He is passionate about helping students understand how to apply compliance and safety requirements in real-world situations. Known for his practical, straight-talking approach, Wayne creates an engaging learning environment where students gain valuable, industry-relevant knowledge they can immediately apply on the job.
Want to train with us?
View upcoming course dates or get in touch to arrange on-site training for your team.
