Major Convos

From road cars to Formula 1 to aerospace, PWR Advanced Cooling Technology is one of Australia's great manufacturing success stories. This week, Matt and Corey sit down with Dave Camper, Training Manager at PWR, to unpack how a one-man band on the Gold Coast grew into a global operation supplying multiple F1 teams in pit lane, and why they're investing so heavily in growing their own people. We get...

Matt just got back from a leadership retreat at Duke University hosted by entrepreneur Jesse Itzler, and the room included Tom Brady, Coach K and leaders connected to Berkshire Hathaway. In this episode he and Corey unpack what actually stuck. The lessons are direct and transferable. Coach K on why values and standards separate leaders from commentators. How he built real relationships with Kobe a...

Matt and Corey are back after nearly a year off the air, and a lot has happened. New studio, business expansion into NSW, and a whole season ahead built around real stories from real people in the trades and RTO world. In this opener they cover the rise of AI and what it actually means for tradespeople and career decisions, why doing your trade before university might be the smarter play, and how...

This episode, we sit down with the powerhouse trio behind Future Lady Tradies - to unpack how three young women are reshaping the blue-collar landscape. From recruitment roots to building a national movement, FLT is all about supporting female apprentices, breaking down gender barriers, and building real change from the ground up. We dive into: The origin story behind Build It Like A Tradie How a...

After a long hiatus, Corey and Matt return to the mic for Major Convos with their trademark mix of laughs, insights, and industry truths. From government contract chaos to personal milestones (hello, turning 40), the boys cover the year so far, unpack the human impact of sector changes, and share what’s ahead for Major Training and its newest venture, Churchill Education. Also in this episode: Lau...

In this episode of Major Convos, we’re joined by the dynamic and outspoken Phil Bevan, currently dialling in from the beautiful Bali. A country NSW boy turned industry advocate and disruptor, Phil’s career has taken him from teaching in classrooms to running his own RTO, founding a consultancy firm, and even leading an IT company. Now back in the consulting space, he’s helping larger providers nav...

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Lees from AFL Cairns as we explore the transformative power of the Suns Graduate Program, an entry-level initiative aimed at inspiring and guiding 15–19-year-olds using the dynamic world of AFL as a vehicle for personal growth. So much more than just playing footy, this program focuses on building lifelong skills like communication, self-discipline, tenacity...

In this powerfully vulnerable episode of Major Convos, we sit down with Jason Banks, co-CEO of TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), to discuss the need for mental health awareness within blue-collar industries. From his own experience in the corporate world to taking a transformative 4-year sabbatical, enduring the Kokoda Trail and his own personal experiences with mental health, Jason shares t...

In this episode of Major Convos, we sit down with Farid, the Director of Business Development for an Electrical Training Organisation in British Columbia, Canada. We flew Farid over to Australia to share his expertise and insights from their Mentorship Matters Program to pilot our own here at Major Training. The boys discuss the importance of finding opportunities to add value in training systems...

Our very own Client Experience superstar, Emily France, has packed her bags and is ready to take flight next week. Em won a spin on the coveted prize wheel at the launch party in January and won herself and her partner an all inclusive trip to Thailand on the boss! Enough room in the suitcase for any of us, Em?  Curious about how Em scored that trip? Listen to the full episode to find out!

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Newnham, the Managing Director of leading Queensland scaffolding company, Newnham Scaffolding, to delve into the world of scaffolding and business management. With a thriving company of 75 team members, Jed shares his journey and the strategies that have led to his success. Learn about the mentoring program they have implemented with the onboarding of Brad Don...

In this inspiring and colourful episode, we sit down with Gerry Blackwell, the passionate founder and director of the Youth Development Foundation. Gerry shares her journey and insights on the importance of taking ownership and pride in youth and community. We dive into the pressing issue of our youth crisis and explore how change can be made without judgment. We talk about the impressive 98% rate...

Get ready for an enlightening episode as we welcome Scott Rogers, the visionary CEO of eSkilled. Discover how eSkilled is transforming the vocational education and training landscape with innovative AI training delivery solutions. Learn about eSkilled’s conceptualisation and their dedication to solving problems and delivering solutions. We explore how eSkilled’s AI course creator streamlines the e...

Join our hosts, Corey Bowles and Mathew Tenkate, as they dive deep into the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and skills training in this dynamic and possibly controversial episode. This week, Corey and Mathew tackle the recent retracked incentives for some training organisations supporting apprenticeships, discussing the broader implications for both businesses and industry. They’ll also exam...

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Franziska Curran, a Principal Consultant at Anthesis Group, champions in sustainable performance for business. Dr. Curran starts the conversation at a grassroots level, discussing practical steps individuals can begin with such as waste separation, carpooling, and going paperless—simple yet effective measures that set the stage for larger sustaina...

In this inspiring episode, we jump on-board (literally) with Rodney Longhurst, the visionary owner of Riviera, Australia’s most awarded luxury motor yacht company. Rodney takes us on a journey through the world of Riviera, sharing insights on their commitment to excellence, innovation, and personal development. We dive into Riviera’s relentless pursuit of excellence within every corner of their bu...

In this episode, we delve deep into the pressing issue of labour shortages and the transformative potential of apprenticeship programs. Our guest, Robert Sobyra, Executive Director of Research and Planning at Build Skills, provides invaluable insights into the changing landscape of employment and skill acquisition. As we approach the next decade, the spectre of labour shortages looms large. Subsid...

In our latest episode, we sit down with Lauren Fahey, the powerhouse General Manager of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), to explore the pressing issues facing women in the construction industry. We chat about the importance of fostering curiosity in younger generations and empowering them to pursue their passions, regardless of societal norms. Discover how initiatives like th...

We loved Luke’s insights and musings so much in the first episode we recorded with him, we invited him back for a second episode. Join us as the conversation flows between, friendships, success in the trade industry and breaking the toxic cycle to address the challenges apprentices are facing. This conversation sheds light on the crucial role of personal development in the trades, discussing the c...

In this episode we sit down with the dynamic football player, Jayden Nikorima, to delve into his fascinating journey both on and off the field. Jayden opens up about the highs and lows of his football career, from the exhilarating highs of signing with the Roosters to the devastating blow of being sacked. However, it was during his time with the Dolphins that he found redemption and forged a power...

Welcome back to Major Convos! In this episode, we're celebrating milestones and gearing up for an exciting year ahead. This episode is an absolute mixed bag of goodies as your hosts, Corey and Matt discuss shaving their heads for a good cause, navigating their “elderly” years, how the Canadians do it and the Jamaican bobsled team. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled chat as they share their exp...

In this episode, we navigate the dynamic world of the marine industry with Keira Badke, the Apprentice and Training Manager at Riviera Australia, the distinguished luxury motor yacht builder. The company's steadfast dedication to apprenticeships takes center stage, showcasing a significant business focus on training and cultivating the next wave of skilled tradespeople, ensuring the delivery o...

“The Conscious Tradie’s Journey to Authenticity”   Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may contain content that could be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Topics discussed include mental health issues and drug use. Listener discretion is advised. If you are suffering and need support, call lifeline on 13 11 14.    In this podcast, we delve into the raw and unfiltered experiences of L...

Season 1 Recap

In this episode, we get comfy as we are joined by an old friend, Laura Pearce. Laura hails from a foundation of business management and has found her calling and passion within the people and culture space of human resourcing. Her career has spanned across several industries, including accounting, health and education, landing her into her current position with Provider Assist in the aged care sec...