Our passionate teachers are highly qualified trade trainers with years of professional experience in their trade.
They share a desire to make a difference and help students learn in the ways that work best for them. Their innovative pedagogy makes optimal use of the Centre's facilities and they care deeply about each individual student.
Our staff form an integral part of the authentic work environment that students will experience at the Swan Trade Training Centre.
Matthew King (Head of Swan Trade Training, Teacher of Electrotechnology and Certificate III in Business)
Matthew has been with Swan since the opening of the Swan Trade Training Centre (STTC) in 2012. He is an Electrician by trade and has vast experience in the electrical industry including running his own electrical contracting business. He has strong ties to the industry highlighted by his secondment to FMG for 6 months in 2019 working within their Trades Training Team. His skills and passion as a Trainer has been acknowledged through being awarded the 2018 NECA Trade Teacher of the Year, WA Trainer of the Year 2019 and Runner Up Australian VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year 2019.
Matthew stepped into the acting role in June 2020 and is enjoying the challenge of leading the Trade Centre. Matthew has a passion for working with young people and seeks to make lifelong learners from his students while ensuring they enjoyed their last two years of schooling.
Matthew holds the following qualifications: currently completing his Bachelor of Education (Applied Learning), Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician UTE 31199, Certificate III in Business BSB30115 and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116.
Gray Blattmann (Metal Engineering Trade Trainer)
Teaching and Trade Training has become an enjoyable and incredibly rewarding career for Gray over the last 12 years at Swan. He has loved being involved in the Swan Christian College teaching community initially as an Engineering Studies teacher, in 2008, and then as a Trade Trainer from the inception of the Swan Trade Training Centre, in 2012. Coming from a varied career and work background that involved working for his father in his sheet metal fabrication business, to running his own business in building construction and property maintenance, to pastoring a non-denominational church for 12 years, the transition to teaching was a surprise gift from God for Gray. Gray is a relational person and loves having input into the lives of young men and women, building life and faith related abilities, as well as imparting technical and trade skills. Being involved in the lives of the Christian staff at Swan has also been a great experience and very encouraging, through his own life journey.
Gray holds a BA in Ministry and a Post Grad Diploma in Teaching and Learning as well as a Cert III in Metal Engineering (Heavy) and a Cert IV in Workplace Learning and Assessment.
Clayton Leaver (Trade Trainer and Design & Technology Teacher)
Clayton started at Swan in 2006 as a Design and Technology Teacher and joined the Trade Centre when it opened in 2012. He comes with a wealth of experience working with timber and has a Cert III in Cabinet Making. Clayton was fortunate to study at the Australian School of Fine Wood where he was taught by some of Australia’s most renowned furniture designer makers. Clayton has gone on to become a multi award-winning designer maker including an award from the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia. Clayton has a Bachelor of Arts in Design specialising in Furniture design and graduated as a member of the Dean’s list as recognition for being in the top 1% of his class. Clayton is passionate about helping young people develop their creativity and practical skills whilst preparing them for employment in the building industry.
Clayton holds a Batchelor in Education, Bachelor of Arts (Design), Certificate III in Cabinetmaking, Diploma in Art Furniture and Design and a Certificate IV Training and Assessment.
Teneale Leaver (Mathematics Teacher)
Teneale started at Swan Christian College in 2011 teaching a mix of both Science and Mathematics. Having joined the Swan Trade Training Centre team in 2021, teaching the Essentials Mathematics course, she has seen the impact that trade courses - as an alternative pathway in Year 11 and 12 - have on students' motivation to stay at school. Also, their renewed joy for learning seemingly returns as they find a passion that sees practical skills learnt, which lead to very realistic workplace opportunities.
She has a passion to see students be the best they can be and use challenges that they may stumble upon as a learning tool to future success both in the classroom and in life. She believes that education is not just about a particular subject but rather the whole person. The trade centre's motto ‘learn a trade, build a character’ is what she wants to see come to fruition by the end of their time here. It is Teneale's goal to equip each student with the life skills to treat others with respect and care, leaving the Swan Trade Training Centre with a high sense of self-worth and accomplishment.
Luke Norman (Metal Engineering Trade Trainer)
Luke joined Swan as a Design and Technology teacher in 2013 and was the Head of the Swan Trade Training Centre from 2017-2020. Luke is passionate about the endeavour for excellence in each of the individual trade pathways and ensuring each Trade Centre student is supported to reach their individual potential. Coming from a trade background himself, Luke brings 15 years industry experience (including positions as Leading Hand and Workshop Foreman), 10 years as a secondary teacher and two years as a Head of House to his role at the Trade Centre. Luke balances academic knowledge, effective pastoral practice and an in-depth understanding of what industry is looking for when hiring apprentices. He strives to build a strong culture of respect, inclusivity and excellence for students and staff at the Trade Centre. During his time here, he has also been heavily involved in the Year 9 camps and has been organising the Philippines overseas Mission Trip for the past four years.
Luke has a Bachelor of Education majoring in Design and Technology, a Certificate III Metals Engineering MEM 30305 and Certificate IV Training and Assessment.
Gavin Plows (Teacher of English, Dean of Year 10)
Gavin brings 25 years real estate sales, management and training experience with him. He designed, wrote and implemented a Graduate Diploma in real estate sales in 1999 via an M.O.U with Curtin University. He has a wealth of experience in coaching and training people. In 2011 Gavin returned full time to his first love and passion of teaching and was awarded the Benchmark Award "Teacher of the Year" at Swan Christian College in 2019. Along with consistently producing the top General English and Foundation English student in Year 11 and 12 at Swan Christian College, he recently coached and mentored the 2019 Head Boy into that position. Gavin continues to apply his deep passion for teaching and mentoring students. His background includes six years experience as a professional tennis coach and State Tennis Champion having played the professional tennis circuit in 1987. He still plays competitive tennis in the Saturday summer pennant competition having just been awarded 2019/20 MVP for his tennis division.
Gavin is currently completing his Master of Education which will be completed at the end of 2020.
