New IRLearning general manager to drive enhanced pool and spa industry training
SPASA Australia has appointed Wendy Donaldson as general manager of the Institute of Research & Learning (IRLearning), the pool and spa industry’s dedicated registered training organisation.
She will be based in SPASA’s NSW office in North Parramatta.
Donaldson was most recently global head of operations for Narellan Pools, and had previously headed up the Asia Pacific arm of a global training and communications software company, and the Australian operations of local and global franchise networks.
Chief policy officer, Spiros Dassakis, says SPASA is excited that Donaldson is joining the IRLearning team, where she will be able to apply her industry experience and passion into expanding and upgrading qualifications across all sectors.
“Wendy’s experience with Narellan Pools demonstrates her ability to improve operational efficiencies, foster relationships with key stakeholders and establish internal and external partnerships,” he says.
IRLearning recently implemented new business systems to improve students’ online learning experience and better enable qualifications to be delivered to members.
Dassakis says Donaldson has relevant experience to help these new systems drive enhanced delivery of important training the pool and spa industry.
“Wendy has a successful track record in managing the implementation of digital and data driven solutions across varied industries,” he says. “And I know she is very excited to bring this knowledge to our SPASA members.”
He adds that IRLearning is well positioned to support the growth of the industry’s standards, which is crucial to the continued professionalisation of the pool and spa sector.
Donaldson benefited in her early career from a number of vocational education and training opportunities, which gave her an intimate understanding of career pathways.
“That training also showed me how these pathways can provide students with hands-on experience in the workplace, while adding value to the employer by having a trained and engaged employee on their team,” she says.
Donaldson is already assimilating into the team and is happy to discuss ways IRLearning can help SPASA members work with them to provide essential knowledge via accredited training and workshops, licensing pathways and continued professional development opportunities.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with our corporate partners to see how we can support their existing training programs, provide an education roadmap and align their training offerings with accredited education pathways, to help improve the overall professionalism of the industry, which of course is one of SPASA’s pillars.”
Contact: irlearning.com
