About Us
Established in 2000, Safety Connections is the oldest running, original owner-operated safety training company in Medicine Hat. In 2006, we added commercial driver training to our offerings, now delivered from our Redcliff yard. We are thankful for the ongoing support of the community and always strive to maintain currency in our curriculum and outstanding customer service.
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We are proud to be regarded as the Centre for Safety, Light Equipment and Driver Training Excellence and an All Industry Training Provider, serving clients in education, healthcare, construction, agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and transportation. We are also the Instructor Development Centre for the Canadian Red Cross south of Calgary, one of only four licensed Commercial Driver Training schools south of Calgary, and the only provider in Alberta with a contract to offer fully-funded Class 1 MELT, Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT, and Class 3 driver training - the only one of its kind in Alberta! We are also participants in the online MELT Class 1 classroom offering.
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Our location in Medicine Hat makes accessing our facilities both convenient and affordable, even for those without their own transportation. In addition to ensuring our staff is well-trained and provide high-quality service, part of our success is the commitment and support we have from our business and private clients who have entrusted us to provide the training and services they require. This has allowed us to respond to the needs of the communities we serve by improving upon and expanding our services. They need a variety of services, but they return for training because of our core principle: Excellence Without Compromise.
Call us to discuss your training needs, or ask us about personalizing training for your organization. One of our trained professionals will be happy to schedule a time to meet with you.
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OWNERS
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Rob Kirchner
OH&S Certificate – Ryerson University
BA – Athabasca University
MA – PGS
Oilfield Specialist Certificate – Petex, University of Texas
Rob has experience in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry (field and office), in the construction industry, and in Occupational Health & Safety. He manages day-to-day operations, instructs safety and life skills courses, and consults with businesses regarding safety management systems.
Janice Kirchner
BEd - University of Lethbridge
Janice has over 35+ years' experience as an adult educator and administrator. She manages client and government contracts as well as oversees the driving school and instructional development centre. Currently she serves as a member of the Medicine Hat Construction Association Board of Directors.
OFFICE STAFF
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Andy Cowan, Manager/Lead Instructor
With us since 2018, Andy has a rich background in the military, commercial driving, and both safety training and management roles. He is the lead on our safety management programs and corporate relations.
Tammy Mack, Office Manager
Tammy will likely be your first contact, providing client and administrative support. Raised in Medicine Hat, she has over 15 years in customer support in the banking industry as well as a ranching background. Her insight into the needs of the rural community is an invaluable assets to our services to the community.
Jason Timko, Sales & Marketing
Jason has a background in sales in addition to experience in the oilfield and farming. He was raised in Tilley and has spent his life in southern Alberta in a number of positions.
Karen Francis, Contract & Client Support
Karen has a wealth of experience with employee onboarding and client management. A teacher by trade, she will be involved in many aspects of our government-funded programs, including workshop development and instruction. In addition, Karen will be involved with ongoing client relations management and commercial driver support.
INSTRUCTORS
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Andy Cowan, Manager/Lead Instructor
Andy's experiences in the military, commercial driving and safety fields enable him to relate to people of a wide variety of backgrounds. He teaches all safety and light equipment courses. His experiences enable him to relate to people of a wide variety of backgrounds.
Kathi Ellis, First Aid Instructor
Kathi is one of our first aid instructors for both Canadian Red Cross and Heart and Stroke courses and has a background as a veterinarian and forensic pathologist.
Mike Forbes, Safety Instructor
Mike has joined us as one of our safety instructors. He will be instructing many of our in-house and ESC courses, as well as Ground Disturbance...and has years of experience in the safety training field!
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS
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Chris McHale, Sr. Driving Instructor
Chris has over 25 years of experience as a commercial driver, both over the highway and in the oilfield. He instructs Class 1, Class 3, Air Brakes, NSC, and PDIC,.
Travis Lane, Driving & Light Equipment Instructor
Travis has over 15 years of experience as a commercial driver. He instructs Class 1, Class 3, Air Brakes, NSC, PDIC, and is also one of our light equipment instructors.
Shane Williams, , Driving & Light Equipment Instructor
Graham Hansler, Driving Instructor
Shane has over 20 years of experience as a commercial driver and also has significant construction-related operator experience. years,. He instructs Class 1 and Class 3 and is also one of our light equipment instructors.
Graham has over 20 years of experience as a commercial driver and has a wealth of experience with mountain terrain, and both long and short-haul. He instructs Class 1 and Class 3.
Carl Jesske, Driving Instructor
Carl has been a commercial driver for over 20 years, with significant experience in the oilfield. He instructs Class 1 and Class 3.
Jenessa Pope, Sr. Driving Instructor
Jenessa has over 15 years of experience as a commercial driver and also has experience as a bus driver and operator in construction. She instructs Class 1, Class 3 and Air Brakes.