1. The Origin Story

• What inspired the start of APT 21 years ago?

APT began because there was a clear knowledge gap in the hydraulics world. Al kept getting asked to mentor engineers and tradies – not to consult, not to do the work, but to teach. There was no structured way for people to truly learn how to design, troubleshoot, or install hydraulic systems. So he decided to do something about it. That’s how APT started: not from a business plan, but from a need.

• What was the biggest challenge in those early days?

We were building the plane as we were flying it. The first real challenge? Turning good intentions into real training – and making it hands-on. At Angus Place, we had the wild idea to build our first prac kit from scratch. Everything went wrong: wrong pump, dodgy flow rates, 200 couplings to assemble, books printed in the wrong order, and a last-minute swap to a log splitter power pack. But it worked – and that set the tone for APT’s “just make it happen” approach.

2. Milestones & Memories

• Looking back, what are some standout moments or proudest achievements?

One that stands out is solving a five-year overheating problem on a dredge in Newcastle – the Machiavelli. We didn’t have schematics, just experience and some serious detective work. It turned out to be a one-in-a-million pump design flaw. We fixed it by trusting our process, and it changed how we troubleshoot today.

Another proud moment? Going from a 60sqm demountable to our 1,200sqm Mayfield West workshop – that growth represents how far the industry has come, and how far our training methods have evolved.

• Is there a particular student success story that’s stayed with you?

Yep – plenty. But one we always come back to is Cal. He came in, did a few days of training, then went back to site. When a machine broke down, he pulled out the schematic and nailed the fault-finding. Saved 24 hours of downtime and looked like a rockstar. That moment – going from “not sure” to “I’ve got this” – is what we live for.

• What’s been the biggest shift in the fluid power industry since APT began?

The fundamentals of hydraulics haven’t changed – Pascal’s Law is still Pascal’s Law – but the control systems around them have shifted massively. PLCs, sensors, machine integration… it’s all getting smarter. Now, if you want to troubleshoot properly, you need to understand both the hydraulic side and the control logic. That’s a big leap for a lot of tradies.

3. Growth & Impact

• How has APT evolved in terms of technology, training methods or student reach?

We started with simulation software and a whiteboard. Now we’ve got full-scale training kits, blended learning models, and a 1,200sqm workshop filled with practical systems. We’re also building Pandora, a mobile, scalable training platform that lets us deliver the same high-impact, hands-on training on site – even in regional or remote areas.

• What role have major clients like BHP, Glencore or Komatsu played in shaping APT’s journey?

They’ve helped validate what we do. Early on, we weren’t the ‘safe’ option – but companies like Glencore gave us a shot, and it worked. They helped us scale, refine our training models, and keep our content real-world relevant. These relationships have kept us sharp – and kept us honest.

4. Lessons Learned

• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a founder and trainer?

Keep it simple. And slow down. The best designs, best systems, and best training aren’t complex – they’re clear. Some of our biggest mistakes happened when we rushed or tried to get too clever. Also: document everything. It seems obvious, until you don’t – and then you’re cleaning 400 litres of oil off someone else’s workshop floor.

5. Looking Ahead – The Next Chapter

• What does the future look like for APT in the next 5–10 years?

It’s about being faster, smarter, and more accessible – especially for tradies in regional and remote areas. We’re building systems like Pandora to bring prac training directly to sites, and we’re making blended learning the new normal. The goal? Help more people in more places build real skills without wasting time.

• Are there new innovations or programs you’re excited to bring to the industry?

Absolutely – Pandora is the big one. It’s not just a bit of kit – it’s a fully portable learning platform with real gear, trainer guidance, and flexible delivery. It’s designed to help people train without leaving site. We’re also expanding short courses and custom modules to meet the needs of more specific roles and machine types.

• How do you want APT to continue influencing the lives of tradies and their workplaces?

We want to keep being the turning point – the course that shifts someone from “I’ve always just copied the last bloke” to “I get it now.” We want tradies to feel confident, not just competent. And we want workplaces to be safer, more efficient, and better because of it.

6. Personal Insights

• What keeps you motivated after two decades?

That lightbulb moment. Every time a student suddenly gets it – sees the schematic come to life, figures out a system – it never gets old. We’re not just training people to pass assessments. We’re giving them skills that change how they show up to work. That’s the best feeling in the world.

• If you could go back and give your 2004 self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Back yourself – and document everything. Also, don’t overthink it. Just start. The perfect course doesn’t exist, but the right mindset makes all the difference.

• What do you think sets APT apart from other training providers?

We’re not just trainers – we’ve been there. We’ve worked on the machines. We’ve made the mistakes. We don’t just show the “right answer” – we show the process, the why, the messy bits. And we do it in a way that actually makes sense for people who work on the tools.

7. Final Words

• If you had to sum up the APT journey in one sentence, what would it be?

We built a career path where there wasn’t one – and helped thousands of tradies back themselves along the way.