Jane Renata - College Principal

My career in hospitality started over 30 years ago as an office clerk at Pancakes on the Rocks, and then I worked for various restaurants and cafes and even owned my own restaurant and cafe on the northern beaches. In 2000 I moved to the Gold Coast and started my career in training in the Vocational Education Training sector and just love it! I have completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate III in Business Administration and am currently studying a Diploma of Management. I have been with Ignite Education for over eight years and have watched the College grow, develop new course offerings and assist so many wonderful dedicated students to achieve their dreams.

As Ignite Education’s Principal I love leading our team and helping staff and our students achieve their goals no matter how small or big they are!

When not leading the Ignite Education team I love a good laugh and spending time with my two teenagers and husband. I enjoy life to the fullest, have just taken up bike riding and plan to do trips around the world on bike tours with my husband as our ultimate goal is to go watch the Tour De France one day!

We look forward to welcoming you to our team below and assisting and supporting you to ignite your passion for hospitality, business or management. See you soon at Ignite Education!

Sami Fletcher - Business Development Manager

I’ve been in the hospitality industry since 18 years of age when I started out at the infamous Stardust Room at Seagulls Rugby League Football Club. It was a great experience mixing with an abundance of performing artists and stars many of who have gone onto to become international stars. I even met my then husband from the Australian band 1927 during this time! After moving to Sydney I travelled around Australia as the band’s Fan Club and Tour Manager for over five years.

After returning to the Gold Coast I worked within the hotel industry in a diverse range of properties from the Greenmount Beach Resort, Outrigger Sun City Resort to the opulent Palazzo Versace Hotel where I worked for three years in a guest relations role.

In my role as Business Development Manager with Ignite Education, my main responsilbity and passion is forming strong relationships with schools, employment agencies, businesses and most importantly, our students.

My main aim is to ensure everyone has been given access to all our resources and to achieve results for students/employees and industry. I am also a Trainer and Assessor and specialize in training Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

In my spare time I love keeping fit, going to the movies, having coffee with friends and spending quality time with my daughter Olivia.

Belinda McBrien - Trainer and Assessor

After moving from Sydney in 2003 and leaving behind my preschool teaching days, I did a Bar & Gaming course at Ignite Education so I have actually been a student here! I was lucky enough to do my work experience at Currumbin RSL Club and was offered a bar and gaming job. After proving myself the Club offered to put me through a Cert III traineeship in Hospitality. After completing my Certificate III and expanding my experience through a number of other roles within the Club, I became a full time Duty Manager in 2007. Having a thirst for training I completed my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in 2008 and undertook a number of bar courses and being such a fan of the College I jumped at the chance at becoming a full time trainer for the College.

Just like me many of our students have proven themselves during their work experience and secured employment.

When I’m not working and encouraging students to follow their dreams I enjoy
beach walks, catching the latest movies and chocolate of course.

Sharrone Hughes - Trainer and Assessor

I started working part-time in the hospitality industry at the young age of 14 while still at school at the Palm Beach Bowls Club. After finishing school I worked in the banking and finance sector but soon moved back into the hospitality sector and started working at Greenmount Resort in the restaurant and bar and also assisting with the Resort's functions. I also worked at Jupiter's Casino until the late 80s but left to have my two children. So I could continue working while my children were young I completed my Certificate III in Childcare and worked at a child care centre for a while but was once again pulled back to the industry I love when my children started school.

To further my career in the hospitality sector I completed my Certificate II in Hospitality at Ignite Education a number of years ago and gained work experience at the Currumbin RSL and was offered a position at the Club. As an employee of the Currumbin RSL I was encouraged and supported to complete my Certificate III and IV in Hospitality and also completed my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment two years ago.

I now work permanently at the Currumbin RSL and specialise in Bar and Gaming including promotions, Keno and TAB and am also one of the Customer Liaison Officers for the Club's Responsible Gambling Service program. My passion for training was recognised and given my specialties I really enjoy working with Ignite Education students. It gives me an opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the industry and I enjoy encouraging each student's passion and future career in the hospitality industry.

I love to cruise the high seas as much as possible but best of all just love hanging out with my two beautiful children, whenever I can.

Sally Anne Martin - College Administration Officer

After school I completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management and I discovered I had a real passion for customer service. After working in a number of restaurants to learn more skills I gained employment at Twin Towns Services Club. During my six years at Twin Towns I worked my way up the ladder from general restaurant and café work, to event coordinator to then restaurant supervisor of a 400 seat buffet restaurant. After ten years in the industry I decided to consider moving into another industry but as a last hooray worked on Hamilton Island for six months to enjoy the lifestyle.

I enjoyed working in the real estate and recruitment sectors before returning to my passion for customer service. Starting off part time back in April 2007 as a College Team Member my role has grown to full time Administration Officer. Known as 'Miss Fix It' around the office I'm always on hand to help staff or students with technical issues or just assist where needed.

I recently completed my Certificate IV in Business Administration which I'm really enjoying putting into practice now and am about to complete my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. As you can see we all love learning at Ignite Education!

In my spare time I love to go the movies or shopping or take day trips to Springbrook or Byron Bay as much as I can.

 Casual Trainers: Janine, Peter, Jess and Yenni

Lorraine Williams - Receptionist

I started with Ignite Education as a work experience student and was provided the opportunity to undertake a Certificate III in Business Administration which I recently completed. Now working three days a week I love being here for students and their families and enjoy welcoming new students to Ignite Education and helping them settle in.

I feel very lucky to have had this experience at Ignite Education and have thrived in such a supportive and encouraging environment and in turn I provide lots of encouragement and support to our students.

As well as being part of the Ignite Education family I love spending time with my own family and grandkids, cooking, shopping and travelling overseas.