| John Locke |
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 John's interest in Training began in 1969 when as an electrical engineer, he was promoted to the Technical Training School of the Midlands Electricity Board. The English equivalent of American Electric Power.
His main responsibilities were for the training of Indentured Apprentices, but was also involved with adult retraining on refresher courses and technical innovations and having input to the research and development department.
His work during this period included the writing of instruction manuals, course programs and course literature. As well as his instruction and lecturing work at the Technical Training School he was on frequent occasions asked to give seminars and instruction at locations around the Midlands Electricity Area. He also gained second place in the Electrical Development Association's Public Speaking Competition.
John took every opportunity to widen his training experience and attended many training courses, eventually his proficiency led him to training the trainers. The call of industry saw a move to Drop Forging. A notoriously challenging area of work where everything is known to be hot, heavy and dirty. He rose to the challenge by qualifying his employers Haladay's Drop Forgings, for the maximum training grant from the Engineering Training Board for three years running.
During this period he became interested in Industrial Safety and following a years course and examination he gained membership of the Institute of Safety Officers.
He then joined Garringtons, a subsidiary of Guest Keen and Nettlefolds, an international company. As a Safety and Environmental Officer, he worked closely with the Training officer developing safety training and orientation training.
During his period in the Drop Forging Industry he represented both companies at the National Association of Drop Forgers and Stampers. He chaired sub committees, working groups, and wrote safety and training booklets for the industry. Many times working with Government Agencies, including the making of a safety film for the industry. Staring in, and writing the script for the advertising trailer. He was regularly called upon for seminars by the training wing.
With a complete change of direction John started his own retail and wholesale business. Selling safety equipment and work wear, later expanding to Electrical Contracting and Plumbing. Here he put his considerable experience of working with people into practice, adding the service industry to his training knowledge. Ensuring that customer care and good sales practice were to the fore. Staff were trained to ensure that they had the positive attitude and that the customer came first.
A further extension came with his move into the green industry. As a life long gardener he saw an opening for a Clematis Plant Specialist. Handling one hundred and twenty five varieties a year. He built a viable business. Once again, he was dealing with people.
During his working life John has continued to speak in public. He is at home in an educational setting such as a seminar or raising a smile in an after dinner speech.
In 2000 he moved to the United States of America and became a permanent resident.
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