Josh has always been a people person. After decades of connecting with people across a number of different sectors, he’s channelled that extrovert energy into something he considers to be his most meaningful work yet: training future aged care and disability support workers through STEPS.
Based in Townsville, Josh is an Individual Support Trainer, and he brings his passion for people to every class and unique learning journey.
A career built on connection
Josh’s path to training wasn’t exactly conventional. Since the late 1990s, he’s worked across hospitality customer service, real estate, retail management, and even spent time on a working holiday driving taxis – all experiences that have sharpened his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“I was told I excel at interacting with people,” Josh said. “I uses my sales experience to meet each person where they’re at, and I still do that with my participants today.”
Before joining STEPS, Josh spent five years in vocational training and became deeply involved in compliance, course development and professional development for staff. When his previous Registered Training Organisation (RTO) employer ceased operations, he wasn’t ready to step away from training.
It was then that he received a timely call from a former colleague, inviting Josh to work at another RTO: STEPS.
A passion for training
Josh joined the STEPS team in June 2023 and quickly made his mark in the Townsville region. As an Individual Support Trainer, his role spans classroom facilitation, tutoring, organising work placements for participants, and supporting learners throughout their training.
One of the things Josh values most is the flexibility to tailor his approach to each cohort, meeting participants where they’re at and leading to better outcomes.
“I love knowing the participants have levelled up their knowledge and abilities,” he said. “When they find a career they love, I feel immensely proud.”
For Josh, being a foundational part of someone’s professional journey is the greatest reward his role can offer.
Making a difference
Outside of work, Josh keeps busy; he has three children under the age of six, is in his tenth year of volunteering with his local Lions Club, and enjoys networking with local businesses.
When he’s at home, he spends time 3D printing and supporting his wife’s small crafting business.
His advice to anyone considering a career in care or support work is straightforward: “Get qualified and get out there. It will change your perspective on life, and you may end up somewhere completely different from where you expected.”
Raising the benchmark
When asked about a highlight of his time working at STEPS so far, Josh loved sharing his role at the 2025 Training Awards in Townsville, presenting one of the categories and representing his organisation with pride.
Looking ahead, Josh has his sights set on supporting other trainers in their professional development, helping colleagues debrief and continue to grow.
For STEPS Townsville, his goal is to continue boosting enrolment numbers and push help even more graduates find fulfilling and stable work.
“Because of STEPS, I can continue to raise the benchmark of quality workers in the care sector.”
About STEPS Spotlight
STEPS Spotlight is our way of celebrating the incredible people who make up the STEPS team.
Each month, we share the story of a staff member whose passion, dedication and unique journey help shape the heart of our organisation.
Stay tuned for more stories across the STEPS community or, in the meantime, revisit our previous profiles!
