Eleven years as a teacher, including ten at Kangan Institute’s state-of-the-art Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct, was ideal preparation for Rod Curren’s new role with Protec.

“This is similar except that at ACE I was teaching apprentices and some didn’t always want to listen. Now I’m visiting Protec customers and the guys actually want me to be there because they want to learn the best and most efficient ways to use the products.”

Like many in the industry, Rod started his spray painting apprenticeship young – it was the day before his 15th birthday! After completing his training and working at several bodyshop, he spent 10 years as a sales representative for Stork Industrial Equipment, working with customers from various sectors – surfboard manufacturers and cabinetmakers to the refinish industry. From there he completed a Cert IV in Automotive Training & Assessment, went into trade teaching and hasn’t looked back.

“I really enjoy teaching people. I enjoy passing on experience and making sure users have the latest correct information to work with. As a Protec Technical Demonstrator I work closely with the Territory Managers and we often visit customers together. At the moment we’re installing new Paraglaze Tinter Systems and the feedback has been very, very good – nothing negative at all. Without me even asking I’ve had painters tell me the new product is brilliant so that’s very positive.”