Meet Our Trainers
Troy Twomey
Troy, once a mechanic, traded in his spanners for a life of service in the NZ Army. Spending a great deal of down-time (when not on operations) with the rescue side of the Army Fire Service, Troy honed his Rope Access and High-Angle Rescue skills, ultimately setting him up for future endeavors -although not knowing this at the time.
Upon transitioning to civilian life, Troy recognised a significant gap in realistic training available to the industry. Tired of the prevalent "tick-the-box" training courses, he established Elite Training Services. Through Troy's vision, the company has developed courses that emphasise authentic, hands-on training experiences, resonating with clients who appreciate its practical approach.
In collaboration with Ropeworks Managing Director Scott Savage, Troy expanded Elite Training Services' offerings to include rope access work. This dual focus on training and practical application has propelled the company to new heights, enriching its skills and experience.
Troy is highly qualified, holding NZ certificates in Rope Access, Health & Safety Management, and staying current with industry standards through his involvement with the Industrial Rope Access Association of New Zealand (IRAANZ) and the Scaffolding and Rigging Association (SARNZ). Additionally, he serves as a national assessor for Certificates of Competency (CoC’s) in rope access, ensuring that Elite Training Services maintains the highest standards in training.
Troy’s main passion is motorsport, but when this isn’t happening, he will be found hiking around the North Islands central plateau.
Kevin McCombe
Kevin has built a remarkable career rooted in his military background and over 25 years with the New Zealand Fire Service. His extensive experience in instructing, assessing, and moderating confined space and specialist rescue techniques sets him apart in the realm of safety training.
His expertise spans critical areas such as gas testing, breathing apparatus, first aid, and general fire safety. Kevin doesn't just stop at training; he conducts thorough audits on rescue and emergency procedures and operations, ensuring the highest safety standards are upheld.
Utilizing his deep knowledge of New Zealand and Australian safety standards, Kevin has crafted tailored confined space policies and procedures, establishing comprehensive emergency packages for various companies. His global understanding of emergency management enhances local industries by promoting site-specific emergency planning that aligns with operational requirements.
At Elite Training Services, Kevin embodies our commitment to delivering bespoke training solutions. He recognizes the importance of merging Worksafe NZ regulations with the unique needs of each company. While generic training has its merits, the real value lies in custom solutions that ensure every team is prepared for their specific challenges.
Together with his colleagues at Elite Training, Kevin remains active in the field, continuously engaged in the very industries he trains. His hands-on approach guarantees that your team receives training that is not just relevant but expertly aligned with current best practices, making your workplaces safer and more efficient.
Steve Smylie
Steve brings a wealth of experience to Elite Training Services, having dedicated 35 years to the New Zealand Fire Service. His extensive career includes numerous roles, but his heart lies in rescue operations. With 30 years spent on a Fire Service Rescue appliance, Steve has confronted a range of industrial accidents, navigating the challenges of working at heights and within confined spaces.
His expertise is not just theoretical; it’s backed by real-world experience. As a recipient of the New Zealand Bravery Medal for his remarkable actions during the Christchurch earthquake, Steve exemplifies the kind of courage and commitment we admire. Yet, he doesn't rest on past laurels. Steve remains actively involved in the industry, continually updating his skills with the latest cutting-edge techniques.
At Elite Training Services, Steve integrates seamlessly into our team, bringing a blend of professionalism and humor that resonates with trainees. His background provides unparalleled credibility to our training programs, ensuring that participants not only learn but are genuinely engaged. With Steve at the helm, trainees can be confident they’re receiving the best training possible from someone who understands the nuances of rescue operations in heights and confined spaces.
Dion Wilson
Dion embodies a commitment to excellence that is unmistakable. With six years of experience as a fuel injection specialist, his journey took a turn in 1996 when he embraced the life of a full-time firefighter. This pivotal career switch not only sharpened his firefighting skills but also broadened his horizons, leading him to become a certified BA technician and a dedicated tutor in the field.
His role expanded beyond BA training, as he contributed to several crucial areas, including the Realistic Fire Training Building and recruit firefighter training. Dion also served as a key member of the Fire Service’s new Incident Command Unit and the Advanced Line Rescue Team, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge.
With the integration into Elite Training Services, Dion has further amplified his training expertise, adding an invaluable layer of real-world insights to an already distinguished team. His training sessions are met with rave reviews, fueled by his ability to connect with trainees on a personal level. The knowledge he shares comes from a true passion for the subject, making every lesson impactful and memorable.
If you're in the Gisborne area and searching for training that meets your specific needs, Dion is your go-to professional. Reach out to discover how he can enhance your skills and safety in heights and confined space training.
Scott Savage
Scott’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From the meat-works in Taranaki to the disciplined ranks of the Military, he honed skills that would later propel him into the adrenaline-fueled world of professional rugby. However, fate intervened with a shoulder injury, redirecting his path towards radio operations on offshore oil rigs. This detour didn’t break his spirit; instead, it opened doors to industrial abseiling.
Recognising the need for expertise in rope access, Scott founded Ropeworks Limited in Taranaki. Here, he crossed paths with Troy, and it was clear they shared a vision. United by a pragmatic approach to rope access and confined space solutions, their collaboration became a force to be reckoned with in technical site work.
Scott’s extensive background empowers him to tackle even the most daunting heights and confined space challenges faced by industrial companies. With Scott on your team, you’re not just hiring a trainer; you’re gaining a seasoned expert dedicated to enhancing safety and efficiency in every operation.
