Meet Our Team
Meet Ryan Wadwell
My tyre journey started way back in 2008 working at a wrecking yard on the south coast of NSW. I learned how to strip and fit LV tyres, and balance tyres – albeit not entirely incorrectly. I then joined a new company where I learned how to correctly balance tyres, strip Fit Truck and Bus tyres, and perform puncture repairs. I also enrolled in a front-end steering and suspension course so that I could perform wheel alignments. In 2011 I relocated to central Queensland to get a job in mining. I worked at Beaurepaires in Emerald for a short time, looking to get a start in the big earthmoving tyres which came when I joined Golding Contractors at Blackwater Mine, and where I got my tyre fitting qualifications. When Otraco was awarded the tyre management contract at Blackwater, I applied to work with them and started in 2012. Now over 13 years with Otraco, I’ve fitted tyres on many different sites throughout NSW, QLD and WA and completed formal training in all required units of competency. Fast forward to current day, I now deliver training to new and existing employees as well as external clients.
Describe your current role at Otraco
I am the Trainer Assessor Lead – East. In this role, I train tyre fitters who are new to the industry and/or new to Otraco, as well as external clients in the current AUR21920 qualification. This is a 4-week course conducted in the Hunter Valley where we train and assess on light vehicle, heavy vehicle and earthmoving tyre changing. Some of our course participants have experience in some or all of the subject matter we cover, others are new to industry and have never changed a tyre before. My role also consists of ensuring that our training material meets the requirements of the units of competency we deliver. We do this through validation and our reviews typically take place in our Otraco Training Centre in Kewdale WA. This is where we review and update our materials to ensure we are meeting the requirements of every unit of competency that we deliver.
What have been the major positive changes to your career at Otraco?
There’s no doubt that the most positive change within my working career at Otraco has been the training I’ve received. It’s helped me with core skills to successfully work onsite for many years, and has enabled me to now work as a Trainer Assessor for the business. I have also enjoyed working with the teams across many different sites, with many different backgrounds. Through working at Otraco I have made many friends for life.
What do you like about working with Otraco?
Working with Otraco has empowered me to better myself in my chosen field. Working in the Relief Team in NSW I was able to work on different pieces of earthmoving equipment, improving my skills as a tyre fitter over time. It didn’t matter what site or who I was working with, the Otraco process was the same which made performing my tasks easier and safer. I have also made many great friendships over the years working with our teams on different sites.
