Chris Shaw
Leeds
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in IBM and NetApp storage solutions, hybrid cloud, and Brocade SAN technologies. Certified NetApp ONTAP Instructor with a strong track record in advanced troubleshooting, data replication, and multi-vendor integration. Demonstrates exceptional communication, presentation, and pre-sales consultation abilities.
Experienced Training Consultant with talent for developing engaging training programmes and fostering team growth. Skilled in designing and delivering tailored training solutions, resulting in improved team performance and enhanced skillsets. Known for building strong client relationships and driving impactful learning experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
Training Consultant
CRS IT Services
2018.06 - 2026.07
- Delivering NetApp training courses as a NetApp Certified Instructor in the UK and Europe for both NetApp and Authorised Learning Partners
- Covering NetApp courses ranging from Administration through to Troubleshooting and Performance Analysis
- Delivering Brocade SAN courses for qSkills GmbH Nuremberg
Training Consultant
Arrow ECS
2015.10 - 2018.06
- Addressing limited scope in training content beyond fundamental administration courses.
- Designed and implemented advanced modules, including MetroCluster and E-Series courses. Delivered courses across three continents, ensuring adherence to technical standards.
- Broadened Arrow's training portfolio, achieving a 20% increase in advanced course enrollments.
Professional Services Consultant
Arrow ECS
2000.09 - 2015.10
- Supporting resellers with poorly designed storage solutions and post-sales challenges.
- Collaborated with IBM, Brocade, and Cisco to re-engineer a replicated IBM SVC solution for a manufacturing client. Acted as a technical liaison, ensuring vendor coordination and system reliability.
- Completed a successful 11-month redesign, earning repeat business and client loyalty for future refresh cycles.
- Presentations and Demonstrations to customers
Customer Service Advisor and Professional Services System Engineer
ArrowECS
1998.06 - 2000.09
- Transitioning from non-technical RMA support to managing IBM-authorized assembly.
- Built and managed IBM D40 and T40 SSA disk arrays, ensuring compliance with best practices.
- Streamlined assembly processes, reducing errors by 15% and achieving faster project completion.
Temporary Revenue Officer
Inland Revenue
1997.03 - 1997.11
- Handling Self Assessment refunds
Education
BA(Hons) - Combined Studies – Business Administration with Law
Nene College, University Of Leicester
Northampton 1 1995 -
HND - Business Studies
Nene College, University Of Leicester
Northampton 1 1993 -
BTEC National Diploma - Business Studies
Armagh College Of Further Education
1 1991 -
5 GCSE's - English Language, Maths, Computer Studies, Physics, History
Portadown College
1 1989 -
Skills
- Expertise in IBM and NetApp storage solutions, hybrid cloud, and Brocade SAN technologies
- NetApp Certified ONTAP Instructor
- Skilled in advanced troubleshooting, data replication, and multi-vendor integration
- Strong communication, presentation, and pre-sales consultation abilities
Certification
- NetApp Authorised ONTAP Instructor
Accomplishments
- After leaving Arrow ECS I set up on my own and started delivering NetApp training courses for Arrow ECS and Fast Lane. I also deliver courses for NetApp directly. I also established a relationship with a German training organisation to deliver their Brocade SAN training courses in English throughout EMEA.
- Broadened the scope of training courses provided by Arrow ECS beyond basic admin courses to delivering Advanced Troubleshooting, MetroCluster, and E-Series courses.
- Worked with a customer to implement a replicated IBM SVC solution to replace an existing SAN solution. The implementation had been incorrectly specified and designed by a third party and I worked with the company for 11 months until it met their requirements. This involved working with IBM, Brocade and Cisco to re-engineer the solution and managing the relationships between vendors, reseller and customer. At technology refresh the customer asked for me to return and design and implement the new solution.
- My main achievement was coming from a non technical background I was initially employed as a Customer Service Advisor handling return issues for faulty equipment. The company underwent a significant growth in it's IBM business just as I joined the company and I was asked if I was interested in taking a technical role in building IBM D40 and T40 SSA disk arrays. I decided that I would like to do this and quickly became responsible for the management of the Authorised Assembly Programme which is the assembly of storage systems from component parts following IBM best practice.
Personal Information
Driving License: Full Driving Licence
Timeline
Training Consultant
CRS IT Services
2018.06 - 2026.07
Training Consultant
Arrow ECS
2015.10 - 2018.06
Professional Services Consultant
Arrow ECS
2000.09 - 2015.10
Customer Service Advisor and Professional Services System Engineer
ArrowECS
1998.06 - 2000.09
Temporary Revenue Officer
Inland Revenue
1997.03 - 1997.11
5 GCSE's - English Language, Maths, Computer Studies, Physics, History
Portadown College
1 1989 -
BTEC National Diploma - Business Studies
Armagh College Of Further Education
1 1991 -
HND - Business Studies
Nene College, University Of Leicester
1 1993 -
BA(Hons) - Combined Studies – Business Administration with Law
Nene College, University Of Leicester
1 1995 -