About Us
Dr. John Whiteoak and Ashton Close forged Engaged Training Group in 2021, the combined result of decades of industry experience, real-world insights and a passion for workplace culture.
Engaged Training Group was born of a mutual desire to help more workers get home safe, while transforming the human capital value of the construction, manufacturing and production industries.
Dr. John Whiteoak l Director
Dr John Whiteoak has a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and more than 20 years of experience working with many well-known organisations as a management consultant and workplace trainer. He has developed and delivered practical training for hundreds of frontline supervisors in many industries including government, construction, mining, retail, insurance, education, and transport.
John has specialised expertise in employee safety and engagement interventions in the construction, mining, and manufacturing industries. He is also the author of more than ten organisational cultural and management reviews.
Ashton Close l Director
Ashton Close has been actively engaged in the business sector since 2004, earning recognition three times on the Australian Financial Review BRW Fast Starters list. Ashton is the Governing Director of an entity that is the vehicle for a combined trade offering.
Ashton is deeply committed to possessing firsthand knowledge of every facet of the business. He invests a significant portion of his time collaborating closely with divisional managers and the administration team.
David Fox l Facilitator
Dave is an impact-driven developer of people. An insightful Strengths-based coach and seasoned facilitator, Dave has extensive experience working with leadership teams, emerging leaders and individual contributors across key industries.
Dave has developed and delivered leadership training programs, covering topics like adaptive leadership, coaching, and strengths-based leadership. He is committed to empowering emerging leaders, and fortifying established leaders.
Melissa Sullivan l Facilitator
Dr. Melissa Sullivan has a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), an MBA (Human Resource Management), and Doctor of Education (Work Integrated Learning). Melissa has over 20 years of experience as a facilitator, specialising in program development for enhanced employee, team, and organisational performance in the manufacturing, agriculture and education sectors.
Melissa has recently been involved in projects examining flexible work practices in manufacturing and diversity and inclusion strategies in the agriculture workforce.