About Engaged

Forged from Real-World Experience

Who We Are

Engaged Training Group was founded in 2021 by Dr. John Whiteoak & Ashton Close.

Two industry professionals with a shared commitment to better outcomes for frontline workers.

With decades of combined experience spanning leadership research, facilitation, and boots-on-the-ground industry work, they saw an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Four construction workers walking and talking on a building site during sunset, wearing helmets and safety vests.

Driven by a mutual desire to see more workers go home safe and well, John and Ashton set out to challenge the status quo.

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They created a training approach grounded in real-world experience, practical tools, and evidence-based learning — built specifically for high-risk and high-pressure industries like construction, manufacturing, and production.

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Two construction workers wearing safety vests and helmets talking on a construction site with excavators moving dirt and a partially built high-rise building in the background during sunset.

Our Purpose

We Believe People Are the Key to Performance

At Engaged Training, we believe that when people thrive, organisations thrive too. That’s why our programs are designed not just to tick compliance boxes, but to spark real leadership capability, personal growth, and safer, stronger teams.

We exist to raise the human capital value of Australia's most vital industries — helping businesses build cultures where people feel capable, empowered, and supported to lead well.

Empowering people.

Prioritising safety.

Delivering real impact.

Empowering people. Prioritising safety. Delivering real impact.

Our Values

Principles We Live By

Our values aren’t just words on a page — they shape how we work, how we connect, and how we train. From the inside out, they’re woven into everything we do, driving real impact for our team and yours.

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    Safety & Wellbeing Always First

    People first, always — we look out for each other on and off the job.

  • Icon of a bar chart with a check mark, symbolising productivity & meaningful wins on the work site.

    Productivity & Meaningful Wins

    We set goals, back effort, and celebrate the small wins that lead to big ones.

  • Icon of a hand holding a small plant with two leaves, symbolising developing others to thrive in frontline leadership.

    Developing Others to Thrive

    Growth drives us — we’re here to build people up and help them thrive.

  • Icon of two hands shaking, symbolising teamwork and mateship.

    Strong Bonds & Mateship

    We’ve got each other’s backs — support, loyalty, and teamwork come standard.

  • Icon of chat or messaging, representing confident team communication.

    Clear & Confident Communication

    We speak up, listen well, and stay real — that’s how we stay connected.

  • Icon of door, representing openness to change and growth

    Openness to Change & Growth

    We stay curious, welcome change, and make space for fresh ways of thinking.

Our Founders

Meet the Minds Behind the Method

  • Venue-based conference room with a wooden table, six black chairs, a whiteboard on a stand, and devices in preparation for a bespoke training session for frontline supervisors.

    Dr. John Whiteoak

    ➔ Managing Director ➔ Lead Facilitator


    Background & Experience

    Dr John Whiteoak holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and brings over 20 years of experience as a management consultant and workplace trainer. He has designed and delivered practical training for hundreds of frontline supervisors across industries such as construction, mining, government, retail, insurance, education, and transport.


    Focus Areas

    John also specialises in employee safety and engagement strategies, particularly in high-risk sectors, and has authored more than ten reviews on organisational culture and leadership practices.

  • A wooden table with a notepad and pen, a digital tablet showing a green arrow pointing right, representing skilled frontline leadership.

    Ashton Close

    ➔ Director


    Background & Achievements

    Ashton Close has been immersed in business since 2004, with multiple appearances on the AFR BRW Fast Starters list. As the Governing Director of a multi-trade enterprise, he plays a central role in shaping business operations and strategy.


    Leadership Approach

    He is deeply committed to understanding every layer of the organisation firsthand, working closely with both divisionalmanagers and the broader team to ensure quality, consistency, and strong leadership across all areas.

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