Neil Johnston, Terri Simpkin and Sue Quarmby are experts in their respective fields. They formed Catalyst development because they recognized that businesses and government needed a new business that they could call upon to provide a high quality suite of management, systems and training resources.
Essentially this means Catalyst Development's services are not provided to the general population. Instead, Catalyst Development chooses to serve those organisations that want an individual response for their unique circumstances and future plans.
The general areas of our scope of certification include,
| Hospitality | Terri Simpkin |
| Business | Neil Johnston Terri Simpkin |
| First Aid | First Aid Instructors |
| Project Management | Neil Johnston |
| Aged Care | Annette Starick |
| Leisure and Lifestyle | Annette Starick |
Our detailed scope can be accessed at http://www.ntis.gov.au/cgi-bin/waxhtml/~ntis2/org.wxh?page=65&inputRef=14697
We also offer non accredited training where the customer simply wants to address a specific need.
| Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance & Workplace Systems | Neil Johnston |
| Manual Handling | Instructors |
| Managing Performance | Terri Simpkin |
| Wound Care | Sue Quarmby |
Neil Johnston's specialist area is project management, his preferred delivery method is to work one to one with people in, or entering a project management role. This ensures their current skills are acknowledged and the program is designed to develop their individual skills.
Please contact me to discuss your particular needs and whether accredited training or simply resolving the issue is your concern.
About Us
Catalyst Development is a unique Registered Training Organisation, located at Salamanca Place in Hobart, Tasmania.
Our principle aim is to facilitate the delivery of quality, innovative, cost effective education for individuals and businesses throughout Tasmania and beyond.
All of our programs are based on research and contemporary practice, and are delivered exclusively by experts in the field. Adult learning principles are applied throughout all stages of course development, implementation and evaluation, which ensures our programs are highly interactive and enjoyable for participants.
We consistently maintain flexibility in our delivery strategies and assessment processes. Our aim at all times is to ensure that our learners' individual needs are met. Where possible, we encourage our learners to negotiate preferred learning and assessment strategies through the completion of a training plan. Special learning needs are identified at enrolment, and immediately addressed with the learner by the course facilitator/ assessor. External support is provided to clients where necessary to assist with special needs.
All of our programs are fully evaluated and a certificate, or statement of attainment/attendance is offered on completion.
Catalyst Development specialises in the delivery of AQF Business Services and Hospitality Training Packages. Clusters of units from these qualifications are also available, as are individual units.
Consultant Profiles
Neil Johnston
Certificate in Professional Coaching (CPC) Adv Dip Comm Serv Management, Cert IV Workplace Assessor &Reg. Lead Auditor Quality Assurance.
Neil has developed a proactive attitude to managing and working with people for over 20 years. He utilizes his skills to design educational programs and plans which are user friendly whilst achieving the broad and specific goals and objectives.
Neil's previous roles have included the statewide marketing of 12 different AQF training packages, arranging and negotiating training and assessment mechanisms, preparing contracts; and managing any areas of difference to ensure an effective program.
Neil also has expertise and extensive experience in combining the integral requirements of strategic planning, change management, project management, quality assurance, evaluation and occupational health and safety systems. He has also been successful in pursuing national and international tenders for education and training.
Some of Neil's roles have included:
- Strategic planning and policy development Consultant PRD Nationwide Real Estate
- Assessor - Diploma of Business Centrelink National Progam (TAFE).
- Teacher Small Business Program - Business Planning (TAFE).
- Business Development Consultant for Community Services, Construction, Textiles, Access Programs
- A/Team Leader Community, Youth &Disability Work, Program (TAFE).
- Coordinator of Traineeship Training and Assessment Centre
- Project Manager Employment Programs and Quality Manager, Hospitality &Services (Now Island Group Training)
- Manager Corrective Services Industry and Training, Risdon Prison
- Media and Public Awareness Officer Office of Consumer Affairs
Neil has completed an Advanced Diploma of Community Services Management, Certificate IV Work Place Training &Assessment, Registered Lead Auditor for Quality Assurance Course, and the Employee Safety Representatives Course
Terri Simpkin
Assoc. Dip. Bus. (Hosp), BBA (HRM), BCom (Hons), CAHRI, Churchill Fellow
Terri Simpkin is the Director of mischief business engineering; a Tasmanian based consultancy company specialising in providing integrated business and human resource management systems to the tourism and hospitality industry. The main aim of the company is to provide practical, custom designed systems suitable for implementation in small to medium enterprises.
Terri has over 15 years 'hands on' experience in the industry including hotel operations, management and HRM. She has taught general business management, marketing and human resource management at tertiary level in both the TAFE and University sectors and is experienced in the delivery of workplace training and development programmes.
As a certified professional member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and current regional councilor of AHRI, she maintains a leading edge focus on human resources issues in business. Her areas of academic interest include performance management, services marketing, quality management and vocational education.
Terri was awarded a 2004/5 Churchill Fellowship to continue her studies into broadly based business models that improve delivery of hospitality and tourism services. The Fellowship took her to the United Kingdom and the United States.
Sue Quarmby
Grad Dip. Adult Ed & Training, Dip. App. Sci (Nsg) Grad. Cert. (Ortho)
Sue has been involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of post graduate/ vocational courses in health and corporate sectors throughout Australia and overseas, for over ten years. Particular areas of interest/training specialties held by Sue include Workplace Diversity, Effective Teamwork, Change Management, Communication Skills, and Workplace Assessment and Training, amongst others.
Positions held by Sue in the past include:
- Manager, Corporate Staff Development Department, Princess Margaret &King Edward Memorial Hospitals, Perth
- Corporate Training Consultant, Education &Development Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth
- Consultant/ Action Education Unit Manager, Mayfield Education Centre, Melbourne
- Training Consultant, NSW College of Nursing, Sydney
Alongside health qualifications, Sue has completed a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and Training, and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Training and Development.