Jacqui Shields
CEO (owner)
Coming Soon
Our Team
Team
Our Team
Jacqui Shields
CEO (owner)
Luke Shields
Managing Director (owner)
Luke Shields
Managing Director (owner)
Full Name: Luke Shields
Position/Role: Managing Director (owner)
Years of Industry Experience: Over 20 years in heavy industry
Specialist Skills:
– High Risk Work Licences: CO, CT, CV, RI, DG, LF, WP
– Nationally Recognised Competencies across RII package
– Cranes, rigging, dogging, and load handling in high-risk environments
– Development and facilitation of HRWL and RII courses
– Mentoring trainee trainers and supporting workforce development
– Strong background in workplace safety, compliance, and risk assessment
Career Background:
Luke is the Owner and Director of Momentum High Risk Training, where he also works as a Trainer and Assessor. With more than two decades in mining, construction, ports, and oil & gas, he has extensive hands-on and supervisory experience across high-risk operations.
His career began in heavy industry and rigging roles, progressing through crane operations, shutdowns, and large-scale Ports and Gas infrastructure projects across Australia (NT, WA and QLD) and internationally, including PNG. Over the years, Luke has operated and supervised on some of the largest cranes in the harshest environments, coordinated shutdowns, and led high-risk lifting operations.
Since establishing Momentum HRT in 2019, Luke has focused on delivering nationally accredited training, mentoring future trainers, and working with small businesses as well as all the top tier Mining companies and their contracting teams from around QLDs Bowen Basin and specifically Mackay region to build safer, more skilled teams.
Why I’ve Chosen This Career
What keeps me in this career are the Trainees and Trainers themselves. For some, one course or licence can be life-changing — it gives them a start, a job, a career, or simply the confidence to chase the next goal they never thought possible. For others, it’s about stepping up, pushing forward, and getting ahead. Being part of both journeys is what makes this role so rewarding.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
When not at the training centre, Luke enjoys spending time with his family boating, building things with his kids (the most expensive chicken coop/lowest ROI for eggs ever!) and just loving north QLD.
Favourite Quote or Motto: “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.”
Most Memorable Training Moment
Seeing that shift in someone — whether it’s a new student or a trainer in development — when they go from “I’m not sure I can do this” to “I’ve got this, I’m in control and confident.” Those moments remind me that learning is the same for all of us: practice, support, and the right guidance can transform doubt into achievement.
Areas You’re Passionate About in Safety or Training:
– Rigging and crane safety
– Building confidence through practical training
– Mentoring the next generation of high-risk workers and trainers
Best Advice for Students
The best way to learn is by doing. Don’t hold back because you’re nervous — training is the safest place to ask questions, step forward, and make mistakes, now’s the time. That’s how hands-on people truly learn. Every error is just experience gained, and every bit of practice builds the confidence you’ll need on the job.
Biggest Career Achievement:
Becoming the successful Owner and Director of Momentum High Risk Training (with my lovely wife Jacqui) — transforming years of hands-on experience into high-quality training delivery and in turn passing this on to our dedicated team of specialist Trainers & Assessors.
If You Weren’t a Trainer, You’d Be:
Running heavy equipment and cranes in large-scale construction projects — still hands-on in the field.
Sarah Edwards
Administration Coordinator
Sarah Edwards
Administration Coordinator
Full Name : Sarah Edwards
With over 10 years of experience in administration, Sarah “Eddy” Edwards is the organisational heartbeat of Momentum High Risk Training. Known for her efficiency, warmth, and ability to keep everything running smoothly, she ensures trainers, assessors, and students alike are supported every step of the way.
Before stepping into administration, Eddy first built a career as a qualified hairdresser, later expanding her skills with an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Science and training as a Life Coach. Her diverse background reflects her passion for helping people thrive, whether it’s through wellness, personal growth, or learning opportunities.
Eddy’s favourite quote — “Be the change you wish to see in the world” — perfectly sums up her outlook on both work and life. When she’s not in the office, you’ll most likely find her dancing, cheering on the Sydney Roosters, or enjoying a well-earned margarita with friends. And if she weren’t in administration, she’d be brightening people’s days as a singing telegram — because bringing a smile to others is what she does best.
Aidyn McSherry
Administration Assistant
Aidyn McSherry
Administration Assistant
Nevie Scholes
Facility Coordinator/Trainer/Assessor
Nevie Scholes
Facility Coordinator/Trainer/Assessor
Full Name : Nevlynne “Nevie” Scholes
Position/Role: Facility Coordinator / Trainer/Assessor
Years of Industry Experience: Over 15 years across sugar, warehousing, lifting & rigging, and heavy industry operations.
Specialist Skills:
Nevie is a high-risk training specialist with expertise across dogging, rigging, forklift operations, vehicle loading cranes, elevated work platforms, and overhead/gantry crane operations. Her background in boiler and turbine operations adds further depth to her heavy industry experience. Beyond technical skills, Nevie is highly regarded for her ability to mentor and support students — ensuring they are confident, well-prepared, and safe before stepping into assessments.
Career Background:
Nevie’s career began in the sugar industry, where she worked at Mackay Sugar’s Farleigh Mill as an operator. She later broadened her skills with Bullivants Lifting & Rigging in warehousing and equipment testing before moving into training.
In 2023, Nevie joined Momentum High Risk Training as a Trainer/Assessor. She now delivers training in nearly all the High Risk Licence classes, while also mentoring both students and trainers to build confidence in high-risk work environments.
Why I’ve chosen this career/what I get out of it or keeps me in it:
Nevie is motivated by the opportunity to support learners of all backgrounds, especially those for whom English is a second language. She takes the time to explain concepts clearly, demonstrate tasks patiently, and provide additional practice so every student feels fully prepared before stepping into assessment.
She believes training is not just about passing — it’s about building confidence, safety awareness, and real skills.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
Nevie loves being outdoors and values time spent with family and friends.
- Favourite Quote or Motto
It’s never too late to do what you want to do…if you stop waiting for the time to be right - Most Memorable Training Moment
There are far too many to list. Working alongside the most amazing team of people every day.
Seeing students overcome learning hurdles the impact it makes on their confidence watching them grow and apply and develop new skills, it really makes what we do here worth it!! - Best Advice for Students
Take clear notes and ask questions - Biggest Career Achievement
Don’t give up, persistence pays, remember to be kind to yourself, give yourself permission to make mistakes learn from them. Remember to have fun along the way, learning should be an enjoyable experience. - If You Weren’t a Trainer, You’d Be…
Writing children’s story books (something I have always wanted to do)
Anton Verburg
Facility Coordinator/Trainer/Assessor
Anton Verburg
Facility Coordinator/Trainer/Assessor
Full Name :
Anton Verburg
Position/Role: Facility Coordinator / Trainer / Assessor
Years of Industry Experience:
16 Years
Specialist Skills
Crane Operations and Rigging
Career Background
With more than 15 years of experience in high-risk operations, Anton began his career in 2008 as a dogman with Tutt Bryant in the Hunter Valley, NSW. In 2021, he relocated to Mackay and continued his career with Boom Logistics and CLS Cranes.
Over the years, Anton has gained extensive expertise across a broad range of industries, including coal mining, rail infrastructure, oil and gas, port operations, and general construction. His diverse background gives him a strong understanding of complex lifting environments and the ability to adapt effectively to a wide variety of projects and worksites.
Why I’ve chosen this career/what I get out of it or keeps me in it:
Always liked teaching people how to do new things, so it was a natural progression into teaching people the things I still enjoy doing.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
Always looking for ways to improve everything in life
- Favourite Quote or Motto:
Be yourself, everyone else is taken - Most Memorable Training Moment:
Seeing people who struggle at the start of a course and then seeing how far they’ve come at the end of the week - Passion for Training and Safety
Anton is passionate about teaching people the right way to approach their work — whether they’re seasoned industry professionals or newcomers just starting out. He values the opportunity to build safer worksites by passing on practical skills and instilling confidence in those he trains. - Best Advice for Students:
Always ask questions about things you’re unsure about, you may end up avoiding a major situation. - Biggest Career Achievement:
Jumping through the hoops to becoming an Accredited High Risk Work Assessor. - If You Weren’t a Trainer, You’d Be…:
Back operating cranes, I still enjoy it, and being around great workers can set you up for enjoying every day
Chris Davidson
Trainer/Assessor
Chris Davidson
Trainer/Assessor
Full Name : Chris Davidson
Position/Role: Trainer / Assessor
Years of Industry Experience:
12 Years (heavy/mining), many years in marine.
Specialist Skills
Chris is a High Risk Work specialist delivering nationally accredited courses in Forklift, Elevated Work Platform (EWP), Dogging, Rigging, and Cranes. He combines strong technical knowledge with practical industry experience to ensure participants leave confident, capable, and safety-focused.
Career Background:
Chris has worked extensively on marine vessels along the northwest coast, supporting gas and oil production, as well as in iron ore loadout and shipping operations. His career has spanned practical operational duties, the implementation of safety-critical procedures, and hands-on mentoring of crews. These experiences have shaped the safety-first, practical approach he now brings to his training, ensuring participants learn real-world practices that can be applied directly in high-risk environments.
Why I’ve Chosen This Career
Chris is passionate about helping people develop practical skills that create safer workplaces and open up new career opportunities. He takes pride in seeing participants grow in confidence and achieve their goals. Every course is also a learning opportunity for Chris, keeping his own knowledge current and his training grounded in real-world practice.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
Away from training, Chris still enjoys getting out on the water — whether it’s sailing, fishing, or diving.
- Favourite Quote or Motto:
“Work safe, go home safe.” — A simple reminder that safety matters more than speed. - Most Memorable Training Moment:
One of Chris’s standout memories is watching a hesitant trainee gain confidence during a practical rigging session and then successfully lead a lift. Seeing that shift from uncertainty to competence is exactly why he loves what he does. - Best Advice for Students
Chris encourages participants to use their training time actively — ask questions, practice the skills, and focus on how to apply them back on the job. He believes it’s the hands-on practice that makes learning truly stick. - Biggest Career Achievement
Completing his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment stands out as Chris’s proudest career milestone. Studying and writing didn’t come naturally to him, so earning this qualification was both a challenge and an achievement. It also helps him connect with and support learners who may find training difficult, as he understands the journey firsthand.
Will Pinkerton
Trainer/Assessor
Will Pinkerton
Trainer/Assessor
Full Name : Will Pinkerton
Position/Role: Trainer / Assessor
Years of Industry Experience: 22 years
Career Background
Will brings extensive experience across high-risk operations, with more than 20 years in the mining and industrial sectors. He spent 13 years in the Bowen Basin specialising in conveyor belt splicing, working in both surface and underground environments while also supervising and mentoring teams.
He went on to refine his skills with Rio Tinto Yandicoogina in the Belts and Craneage Department, gaining further experience in belt splicing and intermediate rigging. More recently, Will worked with Mackay Sugar as an Intermediate Rigger, Franna and Gantry Crane Operator, as well as operating EWPs and forklifts.
Why I’ve Chosen This Career
Will is passionate about passing on his skills to new and enthusiastic workers, believing his extensive industry knowledge can make a real difference in building safer, more capable teams. He values the variety that comes with training — every group brings different experiences and perspectives — which keeps his work at Momentum both interesting, rewarding and challenging.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
Mad keen offshore Fisherman
- Favourite Quote or Motto
You wouldn’t know what Heaven was unless you have been through a bit of Hell. - Best Advice for Students:
Take clear notes and ask questions - Biggest Career Achievement
Completing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE), which has allowed Will to share his industry knowledge through professional training and mentoring. - If I Weren’t a Trainer
Will says he’d be a tour guide — sharing knowledge, meeting new people, and making every day different.
Greg McNeill
Trainer/Assessor
Greg McNeill
Trainer/Assessor
Full Name : Greg McNeill (Greg)
Position/Role: Trainer / Assessor
Years of Industry Experience: 30+ years
Specialist Skills:
Forklift operations, Elevated Work Platforms, Electrical/Mechanical operations, Student mentoring, Workplace safety coaching
Career Background
Over 30 years in training and assessment, including leadership at Sharp Training and decades of hands-on industry experience as an Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and business owner.
Why I’ve chosen this career/what I get out of it:
Greg thrives on helping people develop practical skills that open doors to safer workplaces and better career opportunities. He finds great satisfaction in watching students gain confidence, often transforming from unsure to accomplished.
Fun Fact / Personal Interest:
Known for his jovial character, Greg believes if you can’t have a laugh while learning, you’re not doing it right. Outside of training, he enjoys keeping things light-hearted and lending a hand where needed.
- Favourite Quote or Motto
If you can’t have a laugh while learning, you’re not doing it right. - Most Memorable Training Moment
Watching hesitant trainees build confidence during forklift and EWP sessions, often going from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I can’t believe I just did that!’ - Areas You’re Passionate About in Safety
Ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and fully prepared before assessments — with extra time given when needed to build confidence. - Best Advice for Students:
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes while training — that’s where the best learning happens. - Biggest Career Achievement:
Sustaining a 100% safety record over 30+ years of training while mentoring countless students into new skills and career opportunities. - If You Weren’t a Trainer, You’d Be…:
Likely still fixing things as an electrician — or maybe running a comedy night at the local pub.
Chad Oldham
Trainer/Assessor
Chad Oldham
Trainer/Assessor