About Us
About Barry Davis: Owner and Instructor at Thrive
Barry grew up on sheep and cattle farms in East Gippsland, where he developed a deep connection to the local timber industry. At 15, he began his career in construction by completing an apprenticeship in painting and decorating in Gippsland. From there, he transitioned into civil construction, gaining valuable experience across the mining, oil, and gas sectors.
Over the years, Barry took on various FIFO (Fly In, Fly Out) roles, working his way up from a labourer to machinery operator, leading hand, and supervisor.
In 2012, after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, he made the decision to focus on training and assessment, aiming to create a more sustainable career path.
Since then, Barry has worked with local VET sector providers and, in 2022, established Thrive Training and Compliance in East Gippsland.
His goal is to empower individuals through education and support, helping them build successful careers.
Barry is committed to giving back to the community and enjoys working with people from all walks of life. He continues to live in East Gippsland with his partner and children, actively participating in local community and sporting groups. In his free time, he takes full advantage of the area’s outdoor lifestyle, enjoying clay target shooting, fishing, and camping with his family.