Steve Wilks

Background

About Steve Wilks

My employment background began with the emergency services; for the most part local authority fire services and aviation crash rescue. From this, I went on to teach command at the International Fire Training Centre at Durham Tees Valley Airport. Various collaborations with Teesside University provided opportunities to move into higher education where I now teach Disaster and Risk Management, Project Management and I also manage an Engineering course.In addition to this, I have been a director on my own company which has given me real-world experience of running a business and the issues associated with developing a new enterprise. The University, as part of it's enterprise culture and commitment to engagement with industry, has a Project Management and Enterprise module as part of the MSc programme and I am fully involved with teaching and developing this.I gained a PgCELTHE, becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Masters degree in Environmental Technology whilst at Teesside University and this has been of great benefit and value in virtually all my activities at the University. I was Course Leader for the Extended Engineering/Foundation Year programme in the School of Science, Computing, Engineering and Design. This was a challenging management role. It was normally a large cohort (100+) and consisted of a very wide range of students in age, background, nationality and capability. A nurturing style has been the most effective way to ensure a good student experience is gained by those studying on the course. I taught Communication Skills and consideration of Environmental issues.In 2019, I made the decision to leave Teesside University to take a short sabbatical and review options for the future. Shortly after, I saw an opportunity to take on a new educational challenge; to continue to work in HE, but this time in the online environment, delivering 100% online UG. and PG. courses in business subjects. I joined Kaplan Open Learning early in 2020. Since joining, I have worked with my team to consolidate existing provision and to develop new programmes, such as an all new approach to a PG. MSc. in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics. This move to the online environment has been a genuine re-energising experience and one that I am thoroughly enjoying!Specialties: Disaster Management, Team Management, Command Decision Making, Planning for Mass Fatalities, Scene Management, Environmental Technology.