fbpx

Meet our trainers and assessors – Don Coutts

by | May 6, 2020 | Latest News, Project Management

I recently caught up with our trainers and assessors to find out a bit more about their background and what makes them tick.

Today’s interview is with Don Coutts. Don is a highly experienced project management trainer and assessor who has extensive experience in many industries. He has worked in a number of countries including the Antarctic! Don is our lead trainer and assessor for the Certificate IV in Project Management Practice and the Diploma of Project Management.

Michael Young: Tell us about yourself?
Don Coutts: I have been involved in project management in various roles as a project officer, project manager, senior project manager, and project director. I have worked on projects in Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Russia, and the Antarctic.

MY: What got you into project management?
DC: I started working as a project officer on a critical defence project to test the structural integrity of complex stainless steel fuel lines at RAAF Base Darwin. I became really interested in project management, so I pursued that type of work.

MY: What is your main focus with your project management work?
DC: My main focus is on schedule, risk, and quality. All projects need a solid and accurate schedule, effective risk management and good quality management. If these are not done well the project fails to meet expectations.

MY: What courses did you do to get to where you are?
DC: Initially a lot of experience in the field, both in Australia and overseas. I supplemented my experience by completing a Diploma of Project Management as well as certification from the Australian Institute of Project Management and the International Project Management Association.

MY: What does a typical day look like for you?
DC: Planned and structured. Time-boxing for achievable goals, with some flexibility for unforeseen events. Reflection, and documenting lessons learned.

MY The best thing about working as a project manager is…
DC: The pleasure and pride that comes from delivering a product or service for a satisfied client.

MY: What are you currently working on?
DC: An IT project to facilitate financial decision making. Can’t say too much about it unfortunately.

MY: What are your plans for the future?
DC: To build on my knowledge and experience in this rapidly-changing profession, and to pass on my past knowledge and experience to future generations of project managers.

MY: If you could give someone who was thinking about becoming a project manager some advice – what would it be?
DC: Initially, get involved in a project. Look, listen, learn, and build on your experience and knowledge from there on.

MY: Thanks Don for your time today to tell us more about yourself. 
DC: No worries – thanks Michael.

You can find out more about Don by checking out his profile on LinkedIn.

Also, read more about what we are doing and thinking in project management in our project management blog.

Recent Blog Posts Testimonials

“Thanks for your support over the years and I look forward to doing more courses at Transformed in the future”.

Gerard
Cert IV in HEES - March 2022

“I want to thank you for providing that encouragement and feed back at appropriate times. You make me and I’m sure all students, feel special and like we are getting personal assistance, which I have received. I don’t know how you manage all that you do but you do it well. Thank you”

Darrell
Cert IV in NatHERS Assessment student

“The most practical and well organised course I’ve been involved with, perfect for anyone with a demanding full time career and family commitments. My facilitator was extremely helpful and being part of the construction industry applied a very focused approach to the course content which assisted me in completing my studies, Would strongly and have already recommended Transformed to those looking to complete their Cert IV and Diploma in Building and Construction. Thanks for all your efforts and support.”

Aleks Petrovic
Cert IV and Diploma in Building and Construction Student

“…I originally enrolled in Transformed’s Diploma of Project Management on the basis of their flexibility. ..As I subsequently discovered, Transformed’s approach extends even further to include ‘one on one’ coaching sessions… and adjusting the training to fit in with the client..”

Michael Irwin
Austrade

“Always good and prompt feedback from Michael”

John Logan
Draft Comps Services

“Ease of delivery, completing from work”

Simone
Qld Health

“Phenomenal course to understand contract management in the best way possible. I am working as a Procurement Manager and never understood contract part completely but this course helped me to understand key points of contract management. Thanks to author for creating this wonderful course. ”

Nitin
Student - Introduction to Contract Management - August 2021

“Working at my own pace online and the response time to emails and responses were always great”

Ekaterina Sidorova
Lend Lease

“I engaged Michael Young from Transformed to assess me for the Australian Institute of Project Management Certified Practicing Project Manager. I wanted to be certified as I wanted to verify that the skills and knowledge was in line with industry best-practice. At first it seemed a bit daunting, however, Michael made the process very easy, providing templates for references and self-assessment as well as providing a list of the project management documents I would need to provide as evidence. The assessment interview was very relaxed and more like a conversation than an assessment, which brought out the best experiences to evidence my capabilities. Because of Michael’s current government security clearance, we were able to look at specific of particular projects, rather me than having to spend a heap of time sanitising documents. Since the assessment, I have been successful in gaining a promotion..”

Mike McCarthy

“Don has been a terrific teacher and very prompt with feedback throughout the whole diploma, which has been great!”

Anna
Diploma of PM

“Just wanted to say thanks for putting up with me and getting me over the line!! Which I know was a bit difficult with no background in the industry!! Thanks very much and I look forward to starting my business and conquering the world as an Energy Rater!”

Laura Lace

“All round I’ve been really impressed with how professional everyone at Transformed has been”

Anna
Diploma of PM

“I am very satisfy with the study”

Eric Lam

“I am so appreciative of you and Transformed for your flexibility and support- THANK YOU”

Louise Anderson
Cert IV in P & C student - May 2020

“I’m extremely impressed by The Cert IV in HEES delivered by Transformed. It is a fantastic, relevant, and interesting course with great content. The study materials and assistance have been exceptional. Thanks again to Transformed for their support”.

Matt Wade
Cert IV in HEES Student – April 2022.

“The excellent and prompt communication from my assessor”

Cert IV in NatHERS Assessment student

“Learning – I have now fine-tuned my existing skills”

Brian Peterson
Moreton Bay Regional Council

“I found the course easy to follow and navigate through. I would recommend this course to others”

Ekan
August 2018

“I think everything worked very smoothly”

Susan Mariott
Quality Home Design and Drafting Service

“Easy to deal with”

Laura Lace

“The course is really well organised, your videos and zoom meetings were extremely helpful, the platform functions perfectly, your response time to queries and questions is always prompt and overall it is just been a wonderful experience”

Melanie
Cert IV in HEES student, July 2021.

“The self-paced learning it allowed me to work whilst studying”

Haylea Edwards
Efficient Living

“My assessor was absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t have achieved this without her encouragement and guidance’.

Simone
Cert IV in Procurement & Contracting - March 2022

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank you for all your help during my studies. I think your training company is very professional and I would endorse you and Transformed to anyone looking to study distance learning”

Doug Madarovski

“Just wanted to say thank you so much for offering such a great course, I have really enjoyed studying my Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability with Transformed”.

Melanie
Cert IV in HEES student, July 2021
Archives