Great teams don’t happen by accident—they are led. Bretts Trade Timber and Hardware Brisbane has demonstrated its commitment to developing strong, capable leaders by completing the Coaching Leaders for Performance course delivered by NTHA Training (RTO 5343).
This specialised, one-day workshop is designed to give supervisors and managers dedicated time away from daily operational pressures to focus on people leadership—creating space for open discussion, reflection and practical skill development.
Delivered by NTHA Trainer Brad Cannell, the course encouraged honest conversations around real workplace challenges, while helping leaders better understand the skills that sit beyond task management.
“What made the session valuable was giving leaders the time to slow down and talk openly about the challenges they’re actually facing,” Mr Cannell said. “When managers have the opportunity to step out of the operational mindset, they can start exploring the real superpowers of leadership—communication, emotional intelligence and how to bring the best out in different people. Those are the skills that build trust, capability and stronger teams over the long term.”
The program focuses on bridging the gap between management and leadership, with practical frameworks that leaders can apply immediately in their workplace.
Bretts Training and Health Co-ordinator, Aaron Applefield, said that management decided to undertake the course after identifying that one of its divisions required some mid-level leadership on the floor.
“I saw that NTHA had a leadership course that would allow us to tailor it towards our specific needs. The course was also the right fit for us because Brad works very closely with our apprentices in this department. It seemed like a logical move and an initial test to see if it was something that we would roll out moving forward through the rest of the business.”
With six participants on the day, Aaron said the day initially kicked off with discussions on any obstacles within the business.
“A divisional manager had spoken to me that because of our recent focus on getting the culture right inside the business, especially from a WHS point of view, and focusing on the attendance, we had bedded down a really solid culture. But what we identified is that when you are going through that process, production slows down.”
“We needed to look at our leadership, and find ways that we could transition without losing momentum in those important cultural and safety areas, but at the same time, leading our team towards more productivity.”
“At the end of the day. In order to move forward, quite often, you do need to take a step backwards.”
Feedback from the course was very positive with one participant saying that the course, “will help me to achieve the goals I require to better myself in this field in the future. We now have the stepping stones required to move in the right direction.”
Another participant said it was, “a very educational and inspiring course. I will certainly be using what have been taught to implement a better workforce.”
Key course highlights include:
The Coaching Leaders for Performance course is suited for current leaders, managers and supervisors who are specifically looking to build confidence and capability in leading teams.
If you would like develop your leadership team and have them take part in the course, contact NTHA Training Operations Manager Kim Jones on M: 0429 375 678 or email info@ntha.edu.au.
