Kathryn Stenson
Chairman
Kathryn has more than 25 years of experience in employment industries with a strong background in governance, strategic planning, management, and business development. She is a board member of the National Apprenticeship Employment Network, the National Australian Apprenticeships Association, the Apprenticeship Employment Network and Youthworx NT. Kathryn is passionate about creating continual training opportunities for people of all ages to gain qualifications.
Kathryn works in close association with a range of educational institutions providing Australian qualifications through a skills enhancement model. Under Kathryn’s stewardship, ISTA is actively working with the Northern Territory Government to promote and grow vocational education and training in the ASEAN region.
Shaun Stenson
International Engagement and Training Manager
Shaun, our International Engagement and Training Manager, has been overseeing the daily operations of our Registered Training Organisation since 2018. In this capacity, he excels at cultivating relationships both domestically and internationally to deliver training solutions that align with stakeholder requirements and expectations.
Before assuming this role, Shaun held significant positions in the electrical industry, serving as a project/construction manager and superintendent across Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. His leadership skills were instrumental in driving successful outcomes.
Shaun’s extensive experience is highlighted by his completion of the following VET diploma qualifications, including:
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Project Management
- Diploma of Leadership and Management
- Diploma of Quality Auditing
- Diploma of Training Design and Development
- Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Kieran Reekie
Training Officer
Kieran commenced his employment with GTNT Group in November 2019. Kieran’s role is as a specialist trainer and assessor in the Hospitality and Business courses. He is currently developing a range of deliverables for the company such as Commercial Cookery for the Institute of Skills and Training and delivering short courses. He is responsible for students under the Certificate III in Hospitality, Diploma of Hospitality Management and Certificate III in Business courses.
Prior to commencing with GTNT Group, Kieran worked as a chef/restaurateur for over 26 years. He then moved into the education and training sector where he successfully joined the GTNT Group’s RTO team.
His qualifications include:
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
- Diploma of Hospitality Management
Dakota Hotham
International Trainer & International Relations Representative
Dakota Hotham is an experienced international trainer with a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality education to both domestic and international students. With a strong academic foundation in International Relations, Security Studies, and Advanced Language Training, Dakota is passionate about building global partnerships and making Australian-standard training accessible to all learners.
She holds degrees in International Relations and Government, with high-class honours in International Cooperation, alongside certifications in Education, TEFL, TESOL, Business, and Communications. Her professional background includes extensive teaching and training experience across Asia and Australia, working with a diverse range of learners and industries.
At ISTA, Dakota delivers a variety of programs including Certificates and Diplomas in Business and Communications, as well as a wide range of courses such as Professional Preparation and English Language programs. Her engaging and practical approach ensures learners are well-equipped with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for success in today’s global workforce.
Jessica Porter
Training Administrator
Jessica commenced their employment with GTNT Group in February 2021 as part of the Get Set in the NT Program. She has a good understanding of the apprenticeship system. From her humble beginning as a Business Trainee, Jessica proved to be a valuable member of the team and quickly progressed into the role of the RTO Administration Assistant, and later joined the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT as a Customer Solutions Officer. After a while she returned to the RTO in her current role where she support students in their training.
Jessica has represented the VET sector as an ambassador in a multitude of events as a panelist and advocate for education pathways and was named a finalist at the GTNT Group awards and at the Northern Territory Training awards, in the Trainee of the year category for 2022. She is heavily involved in the community and is a part of many youth initiatives as a representative for young people.
Her qualifications include:
- Certificate III in Business
- Diploma in Leadership and Management
- First Aid Training
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training