BLX Management
Zak Zreikat - Manager
Zak Zreikat is the Manager of the Ballarat Learning Exchange. Zak has a wide range of experience in varied roles across a number of industries.
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales, Zak became involved in the IT industry where he spent 7 years in sales and marketing roles, 5 of those years with IBM and a further 2 years with a small locally owned software company. He was then fortuitous enough to become involved in the e-commerce industry in the early nineties just as the Internet was starting to make its mark in the business arena. Zak spent 6 years with General Electric and a further 2 years with a local supplier of e-commerce solutions in a range of sales, consulting and management roles.
After 15 years in the IT and e-commerce industries, Zak decided to make a career and life style change. He changed industries from IT and e-commerce to education and shifted his place of employment from Sydney and Melbourne to Ballarat.
In 2001, Zak joined the University of Ballarat as Head of Programs for the School of Business Services at SMB responsible for IT and business training to local and international students as well as corporate organisations. During his time at the University of Ballarat, Zak also completed his Diploma of Management and his Diploma of Vocational and Educational Training and has become a well-respected trainer.
Zak is also an accomplished musician. He is a recognized guitarist and award winning songwriter and has taught at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney, played with the Australian Guitar and Mandolin Orchestra, Sweet Monas Choir and numerous rock and folk bands.
Sam Groom - Assistant Manager
Sam is the Assistant Manager of the Ballarat Learning Exchange.
Sam is very competent with all facets of the business and you can be sure that she will handle all matters with confidence, a friendly manner and professionalism.
Sam’s background has been in supporting people with disabilities and disengaged youth which is where she developed her passion for assisting people to achieve their dreams.
Sam has spent many years volunteering with disengaged youth through Lisa Lodges ‘Champions Mentoring Program’.
Sam become involved in the disability support sector as an instructor for People Outdoors and Interchange’s camping and recreation programs after completing her Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation from Ballarat University.
Sam furthered her skills in developing and facilitating social, sensory and recreational programs while working for Pinarc Support Services, EW Tipping Foundation, DASSI and Karden Disability Support Foundation.
Sam has lived her entire life in Ballarat with her beautiful son. In her spare time Sam enjoys travelling, canoeing, rock climbing, gardening and attempting her own home renovations.
