Dean Olzard – General Manager
The Power of Pathways
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway is something I’m genuinely passionate about. After hanging up the boots from my football days, I stumbled into my second career as a Laboratory Technician — not because I had a grand plan, but because I was looking for direction.
What started as “one day’s work” turned into a 12-year journey working across multiple laboratories in the Construction Materials Testing (CMT) space. I learned the trade, refined my skills, and saw first-hand how vital training and technical expertise are to Australia’s industries.
Five years ago, I came full circle — joining the very organisation that trained me. Today, I’m proud to lead ABC Training & Consulting, an RTO built on industry partnerships, hands-on delivery, and a genuine commitment to creating real pathways for students.
Finding My Own Path
While I did well at school, I’ll be the first to admit — university just wasn’t for me. And that’s okay.
Everyone needs to realise it’s okay.
It’s not for everyone. Some people thrive in academic settings, while others — like me — learn best by doing, creating, experimenting, and being hands-on. I didn’t want to spend years studying something that didn’t spark my interest or align with who I was.
I also watched many of my mates go to university, only to walk out with a degree but no real job outcome.
VET gave me an alternative — a practical, career-focused pathway where I could build real skills, earn a qualification, and step straight into meaningful work. Looking back, that choice shaped everything that followed — professionally and personally.
The Opportunity That Changed Everything
When I first enrolled in that laboratory qualification, I had no idea where it would take me. I wasn’t thinking about long-term career paths, leadership roles, or national training programs — I was just trying to find my place after football.
I wasn’t even much of a student, cramming in all theory the night before my trainer would show up.
But that opportunity opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It connected me to an industry I grew to love, surrounded me with mentors who genuinely cared, and gave me a skill set that built the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
That’s the power of vocational education — it doesn’t just train you for a job, it helps you find your purpose.
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Today, ABC Training and I are proud to be giving back by opening up that same pathway for Queensland school students through programs such as the MSL20122 Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement and the MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.
Many students don’t yet realise just how powerful these qualifications can be. For them, it might just feel like another subject choice — but what they’re really gaining is a ticket to a career in areas like environmental science, pathology, research, and construction materials testing.
At ABC, we’re not just delivering training — we’re connecting students directly with opportunity. With 150+ industry partners across Australia actively seeking skilled staff, our programs don’t end in the classroom; they lead straight into the workforce.
It’s more than a certificate — it’s a foot in the door to industries that shape Australia’s future.
My story is living proof.
That’s why I’m so driven to make sure every school, every student, every trainee I trained and mentored understands what’s possible through VET. Because when opportunity meets awareness, lives change — just like mine did.
If we can inspire even one more student to see the potential in this pathway — to realise what’s possible when training meets ambition — then we’re doing what matters most:
giving back the same opportunity we were once given.