We took the time to honour one of our favourite trainers as he approaches his 10th anniversary at QTS.
At Quinns Training Services (QTS), we believe our trainers are the heart of what we do—and few embody that more than the one and only Mike Pratt, who is approaching a whole decade with us at QTS. Known for his mix of humour, empathy, and unbeatable experience, Mike recently sat down “on the sofa” with Charlotte to take a walk down memory lane.
What unfolded wasn’t just an interview. It was a masterclass in why people-first training matters—and a window into what makes Quinns Training Services different.
Above: Mike Pratt and Charlotte Evans at Quinns Training Services HQ in Cardiff.
🔧 From Spanners to Fire Engines: The Road to Quinns
Mike didn’t start his career behind a lectern—he began with a wrench in hand. A plumber by trade, he spent five years at the Water Board before answering a different kind of call: the fire service, where he served for 30 years, rising through the ranks to Watch Manager.
“I worked for the Water Board, and after completing over five years there, I applied to join the fire service. I was successful and went on to serve as a firefighter for 30 years. On my days off, I continued contracting for the Water Board. I was also a trained plumber within the fire service. Over time, I was promoted — first to Leading Firefighter, then Sub Officer, and finally Watch Manager. Training the crews you worked with was a natural part of the job. I specialised in cutting people out of cars, road traffic collisions, rope rescue, water rescue — things like that. Teaching became a big part of what we did. I never really realised the skills I had in that area until I retired. Someone suggested I go into training, and I thought, ‘Yeah, okay, let’s give it a go.’ I’ve never looked back.”
At Quinns, we often say the best trainers aren’t just qualified—they’re battle-tested. Mike brought with him a lifetime of real-world experience, which means when he teaches health and safety, it’s never hypothetical. It’s practical, relevant, and—above all—human.
“I specialized in cutting people out of cars, rope rescue, water rescue… A big part of what you did was teach. But I never realised the skills I had until I retired.”
Left Picture: Mike, proudly pictured here in his firefighter’s uniform, served an incredible 30 years in the fire service before bringing his wealth of real-world experience to QTS. He now works side by side with his daughter, Stephanie Cleveland, another valued member of our team who you can also see in this picture. It’s not every day you get to work with family — and even rarer to see it work this well. We love having both Mike and Steph on board, bringing dedication, knowledge, and heart to everything they do. 💙
Right Picture: A special throwback to Mike and his wonderful wife, Beverly Pratt, on their wedding day! Beverly is no stranger to our Quinns Training Centre — often popping in with one of her signature homemade cakes that never last long! A retired professional cake maker and decorator, Bev was also the creative talent behind our stunning cake for QTS’s 11-year anniversary🎂. We’re lucky to have such sweet support — in every sense of the word!
”Being a firefighter, health and safety is a major part of the job. Whatever you do, you have to carry out a risk assessment. And when you actually sit down and think about it, it ties in closely with what I do now. It’s not firefighting anymore — although I do teach fire safety — but the approach is still very methodical and practical. I also really enjoy meeting people, and I like the idea that someone has walked away from one of my training sessions having genuinely learned something.”
❤️ Why Quinns Training Services?
Mike didn’t hesitate when asked what’s kept him here for a decade:
”I’ve always enjoyed the training side of things. I think what’s kept me here is the family atmosphere — I honestly couldn’t do it without the girls in the office. They make me look good. I might be the face of the company out on the front line, but trust me, without their hard work and support behind the scenes, it wouldn’t run as smoothly. When little things go wrong, there’s always someone there to pick up the pieces, and that makes all the difference. So, absolutely — I wouldn’t dream of working anywhere else. I couldn’t.”
“I wouldn’t dream of working anywhere else. I couldn’t.”
At Quinns, teamwork is more than a buzzword—it’s our culture. We’re proud to be the kind of company where the front line and the back office move as one, where every trainer is supported, and where people like Mike feel like part of a family.
📚 The Trainer’s Mindset: Humour, Humanity & Adaptability
If you’ve ever attended one of Mike’s sessions, you’ll know they’re never boring. Whether it’s first aid, utilities, or fire safety, he brings each course alive with stories, jokes, and an intuitive feel for the room.
“It’s all about communication. Listening. Adapting. Bit of humour, bit of banter. That’s when they open up—and you know they’re listening.”
Mike doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. He researches every company he trains for. Case in point? A recent ‘Safety Stand Down Day’ at Hydro Aluminium:
“They heat aluminium at 750 degrees in a furnace—loads of hazards. My fire service experience meant I could make it real for them. I didn’t just stand there reading off the board.”
This is what makes our approach at Quinns stand out: customised, contextual training delivered by experts who’ve lived it.
”When you strip it back to the bare bones, most of the topics I teach all tie into the core principles of health and safety. Whether it’s first aid or another subject, I always ask the room: Who’s the most important person here? Hopefully, the answer is “me” — meaning themselves. From there, it’s about adapting the subject to their specific environment. For me, it all goes hand in hand. Having real-life experience definitely helps. I’ve done these things in real situations, and that gives weight to the teaching. It’s also great when learners bring their own experience to the table — every day is a learning day for me, too.”
💡 First Aid, First Impact: Life Skills that Last a Lifetime
Of all the courses Mike delivers, one stands above the rest:
One delegate, after completing Mike’s first aid course, went on to apply to become a paramedic. Others found not just skills—but healing.
“A young girl had watched her dad collapse. She came on the course wanting to understand. We had a moment. We talked. She left smiling.”
These aren’t just courses. They’re life-changing experiences.
”One of the biggest misconceptions is that everything in health and safety is rigid. Yes, there are laws and rules — of course — but you’ve also got to apply common sense, which we all have in abundance. For me, doing your job and doing it safely go hand in hand. If you break it down, it really is about common sense. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do things. I always say, what makes a competent person? You’re trained, you’re qualified, you’re experienced — but what’s often missing from that list is knowing when to stop. You should never be afraid to ask for help or to ask a question…It’s the same with first aid courses — I’ve had people attend after losing a loved one, wanting to understand what more they could have done. I’ve stayed behind for one-on-one conversations, just talking it through with them. That’s real life — being there for someone, guiding them through something difficult. I’ve had a lot of moments like that over the years, and they always leave me feeling like I’ve made a real difference.”
📈 Expertise That Evolves
Health and safety isn’t static—and neither is Mike.
“I’m always asking questions, making notes, Googling, reading updates. And the team sends me the latest info. CPD is essential. Good communication skills are key — and that includes listening. You have to be able to adapt to the needs of your class. Some people might be restless or not fully engaged, so you might need to offer more breaks. Others prefer to sit and read everything. Most people, though, are hands-on learners. It’s all about adjusting to the group in front of you. A bit of humour helps too — hopefully they’ll join in! No two groups are the same, and that’s what makes every day different.”
At Quinns, our trainers stay at the cutting edge, ensuring that every delegate gets up-to-date, relevant guidance. And while we offer online options, Mike (and many of our trainers) will tell you:
“Face-to-face courses are best. All day long. You can see who’s switched off online—but in a room, you feel it. You connect.”
When asked how he stays up-to-date with policy and legislation to ensure his teaching is current, Mike responded:
”Funny you should ask — just this morning I delivered a course and picked up a couple of new things, so I jotted down some notes straight away. I’m always asking questions. In the utility industry, we often train people who are highly experienced — real experts in their field — so while we cover a broad range of topics, we’re often just scratching the surface compared to their day-to-day knowledge. That makes them a great source of insight, and they’re usually happy to share. I also keep myself updated by Googling, reading industry updates, and of course, the team in the office regularly sends through new information. Continuous professional development is a crucial part of being a trainer — it keeps you sharp and relevant.”
💬 Going Beyond the Lesson Plan
Mike doesn’t just train—he connects. He’s been known to stay behind for an hour to support someone with dyslexia, delivering assessments verbally. He’s held hands, wiped tears, and helped people who doubted themselves walk out with new confidence.
“It’s personal. Always has been. Just because someone struggles with reading or writing doesn’t mean they can’t do the job.”
This ethos—compassion-driven training—is core to our culture at Quinns. It’s why learners keep coming back.
”I often work with people who have reading or writing difficulties, especially dyslexia. With some of the larger companies we work with regularly, I’ll get the occasional call asking, “Mike, are you delivering this course?” followed by, “Don’t forget, I struggle with reading and writing.” I’m not great with names, but I never forget a face, so I always say, “Just let me know it’s you.” I’ve stayed behind after courses before — sometimes up to an hour — to go through all the questions verbally. Thanks to our reasonable adjustment policy, we can absolutely do that. It’s not that they don’t know the material; they just need it delivered differently. They always leave with a smile on their face.”
🙌 A Final Word from the Man Himself
When asked what advice he’d give to someone starting in health and safety, Mike didn’t overcomplicate it:
“Enjoy it. Ask questions. Stay up to date. But most of all, enjoy it.”
When asked what the most rewarding part of the job is, Mike instantly respoded:
”Seeing people pass a course — absolutely, that’s the most rewarding part for me. I’ll admit, I take it personally if someone doesn’t pass, and yes, it does happen from time to time. But the real reward is watching someone realise they’ve achieved something, that they’ve genuinely learned and grown. That feeling of accomplishment is what it’s all about.”
And what makes him great at his job?
“I wouldn’t say great. Just… enthusiastic. Enthusiastic for life.”
We disagree. Mike, you are great. You’re more than a trainer. You’re an inspiration.
Here’s some shots of Mike in action at Quinns Training Services
🧡 What This Says About Us at Quinns
Mike is one of many incredible trainers at Quinns Training Services—but his story reflects everything we stand for:
- Experience that matters
- Training tailored to real life
- Compassion as a core skill
- Ongoing support for every learner
- Teamwork and professionalism behind the scenes
If you’re looking for training that changes minds and saves lives, Quinns is where you’ll find it.
“Try it. You’ll love it,” says Mike. “All our trainers have experience. We go for the family feel—and most people walk out smiling.”
See Mike in action in our YouTube video depicting a Highfield accredited Fire Marshal training course at a local client’s venue
📞 Ready to Book a Course?
Whether you’re in construction, utilities, manufacturing or care, we’ve got experienced trainers like Mike ready to tailor your session. Let’s make training personal again.
Call us on 02920549747 or email enquiries@quinnstraining.co.uk to learn more.
