Meet Sean

I grew up in far Western Sydney and started my working life as a Fitter and Machinist apprentice with State Rail NSW, where I discovered a real passion for hands-on technical work. Wanting to broaden my experience, I later moved to Dubbo and worked across the earthmoving and rural industries. During this time, I gained qualifications in diesel fitting, hydraulics, and pressure welding, and spent many years travelling to remote locations to repair and service all sorts of machinery.

In the early 1990s, a series of droughts led me down a new path and into a career with the Australian Defence Force that would span more than 30 years. I worked on a wide range of aircraft, specialising in airframes and gas turbine engines, and gradually moved into roles focused on training, safety, and mentoring new aviation technicians. Along the way, I also gained formal qualifications in Work Health and Safety, risk management, and hazard identification and control.

After further studies at the University of Newcastle, I commissioned as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer. My roles took me across aviation and ground safety domains, project and logistic manager, policy development, and operational deployments, where practical preparation and clear thinking were essential in high-risk environments.

Today, as the Director and CEO of Ascent First Aid Training, I bring the same belief I’ve carried throughout my career — that being prepared makes all the difference. Through our fully mobile training model, we deliver practical, high-quality first aid training directly to people and workplaces, helping them feel confident and ready to act when it matters most.