Ed May has an automotive background that includes experience as a practising mechanic, aircraft fitter in the RAAF, technical representative for a major motor vehicle company, and TAFE teacher.

He holds a Motor Mechanic’s Certificate, a Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and also a postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Education and Training from the University of Manchester (UK). He has been an active member of the Queensland Division of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE) and is an honorary life member of the society.

As a TAFE teacher, he taught a wide range of automotive subjects at the Brisbane College of TAFE. In addition to teaching, he has held the position of principal education officer, being involved in both curriculum development and administration. Before retirement he was the principal of the Ithaca College of TAFE.

In retirement, Ed has maintained his lifelong interest in the automotive industry and particularly in technical writing. While his writing has included other automotive titles, he has concentrated on subsequent new editions of the very successful and widely used Automotive Mechanics.

Les Simpson has more than 30 years’ teaching experience and currently teaches at the Sydney Institute of TAFE. He holds a Diploma in Teaching (Technical), a certificate IV in Automotive Technology and is a member of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers. During his career, he has taught trade and farm mechanics in a small country college, plant and heavy equipment in a regional college, and light vehicle mechanics at metropolitan colleges.

Les has also worked overseas for TAFE NSW assisting the governments of Malaysia and the Peoples Republic of China to deliver vocational education and training (VET) programs. Prior to joining TAFE NSW Les served as a member of the Australian Army. During his army career, Les completed his apprenticeship and gained experience working on a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.

Les has been involved in a wide variety of sports and is a keen supporter of WorldSkills Australia as a national judge and Sydney regional organiser. In his current position as senior head teacher at the Sydney Institute of TAFE, Les actively encourages continuous improvement through ongoing training of students and teachers alike. He is proud to support the excellent work of Ed May.