If you’ve trained with us before, you may have heard that GBES Training has changed hands and is now operating under a new name. We want to be upfront about it: yes, there’s a new owner and a new brand. No, the things that made GBES worth coming back to haven’t changed.

GBES Training (RTO 41072) has been delivering nationally accredited high-risk work licences and civil machinery training from Coffs Harbour for years. The business is now owned and operated under the Red Hammer Training and Safety brand by Jay Divola – an HSE advisor and industry professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience in mining, civil construction, oil and gas, and heavy industry, including a career as a Level 3 Rope Access Technician, Advanced Rigger, and working-at-heights specialist.

He’s not new to this industry. He’s from it.

What’s staying the same

• Nationally accredited training across forklift (LF), EWP (boom and scissor), excavator, skid steer, and civil plant licences
• Practical, hands-on assessment – not just theory in a classroom
• Small group sizes so you actually get time on the machine
• Based in Coffs Harbour – no need to drive to Sydney or Brisbane for your licence
• Toni is still on the phones and bookings – same friendly voice you already know
• Training continues to be delivered under RTO 41072 via National Courses

What’s improving

Taking over the reins means we’ve been busy making a few big changes to how things run:

• New website and online booking system – clearer course information and the ability to book directly online (launching with the new site)
• Upgraded training facility – the Coffs Harbour training centre has had a significant fit-out, including a rebuilt Working at Heights rig with overhead anchor rail, a new cantilever rescue arm, and a freshly finished training floor
• Broader course range – we’re actively expanding our training scope, including Working at Heights and Confined Space entry, and are pursuing additional SafeWork NSW assessor accreditations to serve more of the region’s needs in one place
• Regional coverage – we’re available across Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca Heads, Macksville, and Armidale

And because Jay comes from site, not just from an office, you can expect our training to stay grounded in the real-world conditions that workers on the Coffs Coast and across regional NSW actually face.

A note for employers and businesses

If you’ve previously used GBES for group bookings or workforce compliance training, we’d love to hear from you.

Red Hammer Training Safety is actively building relationships with local businesses, civil contractors, labour hire companies, and regional employers who need reliable, accredited training for their teams – without sending workers halfway across the state to get it.

We can accommodate group bookings, work around your site schedule, and provide the documentation your business needs to demonstrate compliance under NSW WHS legislation. Get in touch to talk through what your team needs.