In this months instalment of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we interview John Young, Head of Training for the Gallowglass Group. We consider health and safety to be of paramount importance in every aspect of our work. So much so, that in 2011 we created our own dedicated training company to deliver accredited and bespoke courses aimed specifically at the live events sector. In 2016, we were delighted to welcome John to head up the company, and one of his first initiatives was to introduce a collection of Top 20 training courses for operational staff. Read on to discover more about him and his innovative training programs:
Tell us a little more about yourself?
I trained and worked as a theatre technician and venue manager for around 30 years before setting out on my own and hooking up with Gallowglass to deliver training. I have a partner, Rachel, plus three boys – George (20), Jack (15) and Monty (six). I live in Farnham, Surrey.
How long have you worked for Gallowglass?
I was invited to head up Gallowglass Training in Summer 2016.
What led you to apply for a role with the company?
As it happens, GGH&S came to me. I’d had a long association with Gallowglass during my time as Head of Technical Services at Ambassador Theatre Group - so the connection was already there.
Describe an average day in your position?
Get up super-early, carry an inordinate amount of training materials on a train to my destination, have a blast training the delegates and making new acquaintances, carry an inordinate amount of training materials back to base, get home, complete the paperwork, fall into bed.
What do you enjoy most about working for Gallowglass?
The broad spectrum of people that I meet – right across the sector, and the huge variety of the work; First Aid one day, Safe Use of Tallescopes the next… (‘What’s a Tallescope?’ I hear you cry!).
What do you find most challenging about your role?
Ensuring we populate all of our training courses, getting the word out - and getting as many future training dates in the diary as possible.
Tell us the funniest story you’ve experienced during your time at Gallowglass?
Not so much funny story, but funny people – “If you’re laughing at work, you’re doing the right work” - as someone once said. Antony and Conor are exceptions to this – they don’t make me laugh at all (I’m joking!). Come to think of it, there was that time when I burst the seat of my trousers when demonstrating how to lift correctly in a Manual Handling course – pants on show, LOLs all around. Note to self – always wear loose fitting trousers for training courses!
Where do you see Gallowglass Training in five years’ time?
An even bigger portfolio of courses, more accredited training – with more trainers to deliver all this, preferably guys who have come from Gallowglass Crew.
When you’re not working, what do you like to get up to in your spare time?
Spending time with my kids, snowboarding (indoors and outdoors), amassing snowboarding-related injuries, learning bass guitar, playing golf badly.
Finally , what advice would you give to those aspiring to a career in events?
Take as much work, get as much experience and meet as many people in the industry as you can – make those contacts. And sign up for as much training as possible!
If you want to hear more from John about the innovative training opportunities we could offer you here at Gallowglass, why not get in touch with us today? Whether you’re searching for event crew jobs in London or elsewhere in the UK, our training courses are sure to equip you with both the knowledge and skill set needed to pursue a career in this exciting industry!
