fred gerloff resume

Fred Gerloff

Training & Documentation Specialist

red has 21 years of broad-ranging experience in training, documentation and user needs analysis. 4 years of this time was spent as a training and documentation manager with a track record for achieving results on time and within budget on multi-million dollar projects for major clients in the USA.

He is an extremely adaptable training facilitator equally at home presenting executive system overviews to board members, technical training to engineers and systems administrators or end-user equipment/software training to non-technical users.

Fred has a wealth of experience as a technical writer, team leader and editor producing a wide range of documentation across many environments including retail, corporate IT, mining/construction, OHSE, treasury management/financial instrument trading and software/electronic engineering including functional and test specifications, end-user documentation and blended learning training packages.

His broad experience base includes database application design & implementation for a variety of clients, software configuration management and ISO9001 quality management internal auditing with involvement in several process re-engineering projects for corporate and small business clients.

One of Fred’s strongest assets is his ability to build strong client and stake holder relationships.

Fred is an innovative and creative designer of multi-media training materials. His projects include site induction, OHS, maintenance and isolation procedures for heavy engineering, mining and software systems simulations. His video/photography, graphic design and public speak skills come together to produce engaging self-paced training packages include video with voice-overs, Flash-media and kiosk style animated tutorials in PowerPoint.

1. Strong communication, analytical and interpersonal skills;

2. Flare for graphic and instructional design;

3. Quickly adapt skills and knowledge to new environments;

Three factors that will make Fred a valuable resource within your organisation.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Managed team of 8 writers and 5 trainers to roll out training, eLearning and user manuals to 1300 personnel at public transit agencies around San Francisco Bay Area for new smartcard fare collection system

Worked with focus groups from 6 major clients in Seattle area to gather user requirements and design user interfaces for smartcard fare collection equipment

Created OHSE, induction and isolation procedure eLearning packages for engineering companies

Created video induction, isolation procedure and equipment maintenance training for mining and heavy engineering clients in WA

Created animated tutorials with voice overs for corporate roll-out of Microsoft Lync and AvantGard Integrity (treasury management system)

EXPERIENCE:

6 years delivering training in heavy engineering and mining environments (inductions, isolations, OHSE, operating procedures, plant familiarisation)

4 years as training & documentation manager

9 years developing multi-media training

20 years as IT trainer & technical writer

A broad range of analyst /process re-engineering and database design projects over a

12 year period

F

Mob: 0422 129 114

Email: [email protected]

Fred Gerloff [email protected]

Ph 0422 129 114 of 13

Experience

Yarris Pty Ltd (www.yarris.com) Technical Writer - eLearning Developer

(Oct 2014 – present)

The company:

Software development (Agile methodology) of web-based applications:

ConSol - end-to-end customer-contractor management system used by Telstra and other major utilities to manage contracts, quotes, orders and invoicing. Developed a suite of more than 300 discreet user guides.

Legal Panel Gateway (LPG) – legal matter management system used by Vic and NSW government legal entities to manage the engagement of law firms on legal matters. Developed a suite of 80 discreet user guides.

The role:

Existing documentation - uncontrolled, gaps in content, in a wide variety of formats and much of the content and most of the graphics were out of date.

Design new template and layout and work with SMEs it develop a comprehensive suite of user guides (MS Word).

Convert user guides to HTML (with CSS styles) within ZenDesk customer service portal.

Create eLearning training/simulation for iPhone/iPad based application.

Print and compile customised business process flows for presentations to prospective clients and training sessions for existing clients.

Sabbatical (May 2014 – June 2014)

My partner and I took 6 weeks off to represent Australia at the Senior III World DanceSport Championships and compete in other major competitions in the UK and Europe.

Myer Australia Instructional Designer - eLearning Developer

(Dec 2013 – April 2014)

The project:

An in-house developed customer order application (Agile methodology). Deployed to iPads used by retail sales staff nationally.

The role:

4 weeks - Collaborate with training manager and SMEs to create template and produce the final documents (MS Word) which were used to roll out training workshops with key sales staff nationally.

4 weeks - Produce interactive simulation/training package (Adobe Captivate 7). Deployed to Myer intranet for sales staff to gain competency prior to using the software on the job.

1 week - include new customer order management functionality into existing POS user manual (MS Word).

Provided rapid response support to the change management team. Examples:

Test the application and produce a feedback to development team outlining improvements in screen design / on-screen messages and identifying bugs.

Ad hoc editorial review of change manager’s reports to senior project management.


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Ad hoc technical and documentation support of trainers while they were on-site delivering training (e.g. Create training evaluation form.).

INPEX Australia (Oil & Gas) Technical Writer - Instructional Designer - Trainer

(Oct 2012 – Aug 2013)

The brief:

A major initiative to improve the image of the IT department within the business internationally. Reporting to the BAU manager, my task was to produce a user-friendly, comprehensive catalogue of IT services outfacing to the business.

Achievements:

I made a demonstrable contribution to the IT department image by:

revising outdated information and producing standardised templates;

creating a comprehensive catalogue of quick reference guides, graphical user guides and FAQs describing all IT services (e.g. remote network access, access via mobile devices, video conferencing equipment and facilities, printing/scanning, email/calendaring, on-boarding procedures).

Seconded to project for migration from Cisco Communicator to Microsoft Lync (communication & collaboration tool), I effectively managed the change across all INPEX offices internationally by:

Develop written content, create icons, source and edit graphics for IT service catalogue entries (using ServiceNow IT Information Library software).

Deliver MS Lync training sessions to key operations and help desk personnel both locally and remotely via video conferencing.

Fulfilled an urgent ad hoc request for training material to support classroom training in First Priority (risk management system). 2 day turn-around to produce three simulations using Ancile uPerform (SAP Prod Pak).

Develop standardised Word templates and forms for company-wide use.

Fluor & SKM Joint Venture (FAST) formerly MPDJV Technical Writer - Instructional Designer - Trainer

(Apr 2007 – Oct 2012)

Responsibilities included:

Develop training manuals and presentation material for BHP Billiton’s iron ore port facility upgrades at Finucane Island and Port Hedland including:

Wharf overview and stockyard conveyors overview manuals and training (including shiploaders, stackers, reclaimers, transfer stations and conveyor systems) covering structural, mechanical, electrical, water supply, waste removal, communications, control systems, route sequencing systems and all related services.

Shiploader dual loading and anti-collision control systems.

Bulk ore conditioning systems & water pumping station upgrades.

Waste water treatment and recovery system overview training material.

Deliver training on site to BHPBIO staff and conduct tours of new facilities, plant and equipment on wharves and stockyards.


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The project involved:

Liaise with engineers of all disciplines (marine, mechanical, electrical, piping, control and communications) and study engineering drawings to gather information;

Site visits to photograph plant and equipment for inclusion in training material.

Develop animated PowerPoint presentations and graphic-rich Word manuals.

Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH)

Technical Writer/Instructional Designer (Multi-media) (Aug 2006 – Dec 2006)


Develop multi-media tutorials with voice-overs demonstrating use of the following software applications used in a trading and marketing environment:

custom-built Mark-to-Market application;

off-the-shelf Treasury Management System (Sungard AvantGard Integrity®) with company specific configuration and customisations.

Tutorials included:

System overview presentations

Generic software operations

Treasury Management System operating procedures for front, middle and back office personnel.

AeM GROUP

Technical Writer (Jun 2006 – July 2006)


Develop generic document templates.

Troubleshoot style problems in existing documents.

Collaborate in the writing of tender bids and compile all writers inputs’ into the bid documents.

PCT ENGINEERS (PCT)

Technical Writer/Instructional Designer (Multi-media) (Feb 2006 – May 2006)


Analyse existing paper-based OHSE and HR documentation.

Review and revise training plan for first-day induction training.

Capture video & photographs at two PCT offices in Perth

Edit video & photographs, create graphics and voice-overs for multi-media training.

Built Flash-media OHSE induction training package over two month period.

Built Flash-media training package in one week for roll out of new timesheet system (Lotus Notes).


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ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG)

Technical Writer/Test Engineer (Dec 2005 – Jan 2006)


Assemble and configure equipment, computer systems and smart cards for final stage tender bid demonstration to prospective client for a major fare collection system in Canada

Create configuration documentation and modify existing user manuals to conform with demonstration system operations

Monitor and advise on software compliance with tender test specifications.

TIWEST JOINT VENTURE (Mineral Sands Mining)

Consultant (Multi-media developer) (Aug 2005 – Oct 2005)


Capture video & photographs of dredge maintenance procedures


Review scripts and video with engineers to refine content.

Build two multi-media training packages including printable graphic-rich manuals (6 weeks for each). Incorporated audio-video and Flash-media in a PDF framework

SPENO RAIL MAINTENANCE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Consultant (Multi-media developer) (Jan 2012 – Feb 2012), (Dec 2003 – Apr 2004)


Convert static PowerPoint presentation to a Flash multi-media self-paced training package – (Theory and practical aspects of railway track wear, profiling and grinding).

Develop multi-media computer-based training modules for new rail grinding trains including:

Workplace Induction for rail grinding operations personnel;

Procedures for isolating energy sources on the train;

OH&S procedures specific to the grinding train;

Environmental risk and control procedures.

The project involved:

Research operations and maintenance documentation for existing trains and perform gap analysis for new trains;

Develop training outlines, storyboards for video, scripts for voice-over

Capture video & photographs on grinding train


Build two multi-media training packages (Induction and Isolation Procedures) including printable graphic-rich manuals in a 3 month period (incorporating audio-video in a PDF framework)


Ph 0422 129 114 of 13

Film 3-hour Rail Grinding Theory live presentation by subject matter expert;

Build animated Flash multi-media incorporating static content from subject matter expert’s PowerPoint presentation.

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Perth, WA – Seattle, USA Training and Documentation Team Leader/Business Analyst (Jan 2004 – July 2005)


Perform training needs analysis and develop training plans and schedules for training staff from 6 major public transit companies around Puget Sound area (Seattle)

Work with call centre staff in Washington DC to determine training needs for upgrade to existing fare collection system.

Conduct a series of workshops over a 1 year period with client focus groups to determine graphical user interfaces and operating procedures for new fare collection devices in Seattle.

Liaise with software/hardware engineering teams to ensure customer user interface requirements were met with minimal new software development.

Review and revise software functional specifications incorporating detailed design output from needs analysis workshops.

Prepare and deliver oral submission of training & documentation plans at design and functional specification phase to clients in Seattle and Washington DC.

Act in advisory capacity during oral submission of software functional specifications to clients in Seattle.

Design icons and screen layouts for software user interfaces.

Monitor and advise on software development to ensure compliance with user requirement specifications.

Manage a team of writers developing training packages and user manuals for Seattle and Washington DC projects.

Prepare training & documentation submissions and costing as part of tender responses for new public transit fare collection systems in Victoria and WA.

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Technical Writer / Trainer (Jan 2003 – Dec 2003)


Develop department user manual template to meet IEEE 1063 standard.

Develop user manuals, instructor guides including competency based evaluation packages and student notes in MS Word and training presentations in MS PowerPoint. Develop graphics for documentation using PaintShop Pro.

At project site in Las Vegas, USA:

Liaise with client’s training manager and technical staff to prepare monorail operations staff for training delivery.


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Deliver fare collection system overview presentations and end-user training for system configuration and device monitor/control software.

SPHERION Training Consultant (Nov 2002)


One-on-one Ms Outlook training for email users with wide ranging levels of competence at BHB Billiton briquette processing plant in Port Hedland.

Perform training needs analysis to determine further training requirements for each trainee.

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Consultant (Database Programmer/Technical Writer) (Sep 2002 – Nov 2002)


Maintenance programming on records management and timesheet databases (MS Access) for ERG’s Legal and Technical departments.

Writing software functional specifications for embedded software applications including MS Visio process flow charts.

Develop GUI simulator in MS PowerPoint for a smart card Add Value Machine (similar functionality to an ATM). Simulator used by clients to review processes and screen flows.

DRAKE TRAINING Consultant (Trainer) (Sep 2002)


Deliver adult-learning module (Introductory Structured Programming - Visual Basic).

Deliver adult-learning module (Introduction to MS Project [98 and 2000]).

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Perth, WA & San Francisco, USA Project Training & Documentation (T&D) Manager (Apr 2000 – Apr 2002)


Manage the complete life cycle of user document and training development including:

needs analysis and quote

write training plan and documentation plan

schedule and manage development of T&D material

editorial review of user manuals and multi-media training material


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schedule, co-ordinate and manage trainers, configuration of training equipment and cards, printing of training handouts

deliver train-the-trainer sessions to client training personnel, executive overviews and end-user CBT sessions

manage feedback, review, records and reports on training sessions

On smaller projects:

write multi-media training material

write storyboards, scripts for video

capture video & photographs and record voice-overs

convert and edit video for multi-media training material

design and create user manuals and quick reference cards

Deliver face-to-face training workshops

Deliverables included manuals and training material for:

Operation, field maintenance, shop maintenance of electronic fare collection equipment

Operation of point-of-sale, configuration, and monitoring software

Executive/technical overview of smart card fare collection system

Types of deliverables included:

User manuals, quick reference guides, on-line help files

Multi-media training material (Authorware and PowerPoint)

Fred’s achievements included:

Managed development and delivery of T&D for San Francisco (SF) project:

AUS$750,000 budget

8 man development team in Perth (33 manuals, 20 CBT modules)

5 man training team in SF (193 training sessions, 559 contact hours)

rolled out training to 1300 staff at 6 major public transport organisations

Allowed project management to meet a critical deadline by compacting 75% of the training delivery into a one month period.

Met the need for quality management and reporting internally and to client by developing a training scheduling database (MS Access)

Demonstrated flexibility when alliance partner withdrew from project greatly widening my responsibility within the project.

Adapted and delivered presentations and training to target groups ranging from board members to end users of six major public transit companies throughout the SF Bay Area.

Set up Quality Management procedures to improve the efficiency of editing and revising multi-media training presentations.

Developed new company-wide standard layouts (Adobe InDesign) and procedures for user documentation to reduce T&D development costs and improve the aesthetics of documentation as computer-based e-publications.


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ERTECH PTY LTD

Consultant (Database Designer) (Feb 2000)


Analyse existing processes and records, determine requirements for new computer-based document control system

Design, build and implement document control application (MS Access) to automate document release procedure.

JANDAKOT GOLF COMPLEX Consultant (Database Designer) (1998 - 2001)


Analyse existing processes and records, determine requirements for new computer-based POS/Membership/Stock Control system

Design, build and implement POS/Membership/Stock Control application (MS Access)

Application functionality included:

Record sales with bar-code reader interface, print sales dockets

Record and report on restock operations

Manage new club memberships, renewals and tracking of credit points for sales discounts

Shift, daily and monthly reconciliation reports.

Data synchronization between sites and data archiving.

Perform troubleshooting, maintenance and upgrades for:

Year 2000 vulnerability

Introduction of GST

Migration from single-site to multi-site application.


Quality System Senior Developer (Oct 1999 – Apr 2000)


Analyse existing processes, re-engineer processes and develop new quality management system to ISO 9001 standard for the training and documentation development life cycle at ERG.

Achievements:

Developed an analysis/costing/scheduling application (MS Access) to streamline and standardise the Training & Documentation analysis phase of all projects.

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Product Support Engineer (Apr 1999 – Sep 1999)


Technical support (telephone) to ERG offices and customer sites in the UK, Middle East and eastern seaboard of Australia.


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Repair corrupted client data using hexadecimal code debugging tools.

Quality control and tracking of electronic equipment returned for repair from client sites.


Revised Quality Management procedures and trained a support assistant to deal with a 300% increase in issues over a 6 month period caused by chronic software faults.

C&G BUSINESS SYSTEMS (C&G) Trainer/Technical Writer/Software Engineer (Jul 1998 – Apr 1999)


End-user training and phone support for client sites using C&G’s proprietary sales management system

Develop on-line help documentation for C&G products

Maintenance/enhancement software development on C&G products.


Learned a new programming language (Powerflex) and within 4 weeks was providing support, training and software development.

ERG GROUP LIMITED (ERG) Software Configuration Manager (Apr 1995 – Jul 1998)


Manage configuration and development environments used to build, version and release software for whole R&D department.

Trouble-shoot revision control/configuration issues for software development teams.


Re-engineer software & document quality control processes to be ISO9001 compliant.

Developed software/document control application (MS Access) and provided staff training.

Developed search and reporting engine (MS Access) to interface to existing sales and marketing application for eCard marketing group.

Developed timesheet database (MS Access) used by external and internal offices to interface to accounting modules.

Performed ISO9001 internal audits on manufacture processes.


Technical Writer (Jan 1995 – May 1995)



Ph 0422 129 114 of 13

Write test specifications for modules of an embedded operating system for electronic fare collection equipment.


Completed assigned documents within 6 weeks of 12 week contract.

DCR AUSTRALIA (publishing)

Technical Writer (Jun 1994 – Nov 1994)


Write self-paced learning book “Introducing Excel 5 for Windows”. (Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 0471336556)

EDWARDS COLLEGE & THORNLIE TAFE Tutor / Lecturer – Computing (Apr 1994 – Dec 1994)


Edwards Colleges (20 contact hours per week)

Year 10 and Year 11 computing (computing principles, Pascal)

Secretarial introductory computing (desktop applications)

Certificate of Computing (bridging course to University)

Thornlie TAFE (6 contact hours per week)

facilitate adult education in MS Office applications

tutor/interpreter for deaf students in computing courses

retrain long-term unemployed youth

Create assignments/examinations, evaluate student achievement.


Rewrote the Certificate of Computing curriculum at Edwards College to keep pace with current computer education tends.

Education Primavera Australia 2005 Primavera P3e project management - intermediate Australian Institute of Management 2002

Certificate IV - Assessment & Workplace Training MTS 1996 ISO 9001 Internal Quality Auditor


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SE Metro College of TAFE 1993 Associate Diploma of Science (Computing)

AWARD: Full-Time Student of the Year ‘A’ grade in 14 of 15 course modules

Central College of TAFE 1992 Level II Interpreter (Australian Deaf Sign Language)


Ph 0422 129 114 of 13

Key Skills Adobe Captivate Extensive use creating rich-media

software usage tutorials 3 years to present

Adobe InDesign CS Extensive use creating rich-media publications

5 years

Adobe PhotoShop CS & Elements 10

Extensive use editing photos and graphics for multi-media projects

8 years to present

Adobe Premier Pro Extensive use editing video for multi-media projects

7 years to present

MS Access (VBA) Extensive commercial application development.

9 years to 2003

MS Excel Advanced – Project costing/budget

18 years to present

MS Lync 2010 Advanced – content sharing, voice, video and text communications, configuration

9 months to 2014

MS Outlook 2010 Advanced – develop help files and deliver training

6 years to present

MS PowerPoint Extensive use developing/delivering training

12 years to present

MS Project 2000, 2010 Advanced – scheduling/project management

2 years to 2013

MS Word Extensive use – creating documents and templates

18 years to present

Pascal, dBase IV, C, VB 6.0

Used to train structured programming

1 year – 1995

Primavera SureTrak/P3e Extensive use for scheduling/project management

5 years to 2005

Digital photography Capture still photographs and video for multi-media training

13 years to present

RCS Software revision control 3 years to 1998

SWiSHmax Extensive Flash-media development

3 years to 2012

ServiceNow ITIL Create IT library entries 6 months to 2013

fred gerloff resume

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