Meet the Instructor -
Mike Harbon

Mike Harbon

A Rich Tapestry of Experience

Mike Harbon’s professional journey is a testament to his adaptability and passion for teaching. His career began on the high seas as a Royal Navy Signalman, a role that honed his precision and discipline from 1973 to 1979.

The skills developed during these formative years laid a solid foundation for his subsequent ventures in the fast-evolving telecommunications sector.

Pioneering in Telecoms and IT

Transitioning to the civilian sector, Mike joined AT&T in 1980, where he quickly ascended to lead the Technical Skills Development across the EMEA region. I

n the late 1980s, Mike spearheaded the rollout of innovative server-based online learning for over 3,000 employees across 30 countries.

His groundbreaking work not only transformed corporate training paradigms but also led him to international stages, sharing insights and strategies, including a notable presentation at a conference in Disneyland, Florida.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

The entrepreneurial bug bit Mike in 2005, leading him to co-found Marr Solutions Group LLP. Here, he continued to break new ground in telecom training and consultancy until market turbulence in 2008 prompted a strategic withdrawal.

A Seamless Transition to Motorcycle Training

Seeking a change, Mike combined his lifelong passion for motorcycling with his extensive training expertise. He approached Simon at RMT Motorcycle Training and, after rigorous training, became a fully qualified instructor in 2009.

Mike’s approach to motorcycle training is deeply influenced by his diverse background, focusing on precision, safety, and a tailored learning experience for each student.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Development

Even as he ventured back into telecoms with Ubi-Tech (3R) Ltd, Mike’s dedication to motorcycle training never wavered. At Ubi-Tech, he helped armed forces veterans transition to civilian roles through comprehensive telecommunications training.

Despite his role as Operations Director and later part-time work, his commitment to RMT remained unwavering, leading him to fully return to training after retiring in 2020.

Personal Life

Mike’s personal exploits mirror his professional adventures. He and his wife are avid motorcyclists, eschewing traditional holidays for motorcycle tours across Europe and Africa, from the Lake District to Morocco.

His organisational prowess shines in coordinating group motorcycle tours to historical battlefields across Europe, blending his love for history with community engagement.

Instructor Philosophy

Mike’s instructing philosophy is characterised by a commitment to foundational skills and advanced riding techniques, ensuring each rider achieves their full potential under his guidance.

His instructional methods are enhanced by state-of-the-art tools like RMT’s exclusive training app and comprehensive digital resources, which he helps to develop and refine.

Looking Ahead

Today, Mike continues to inspire new riders at RMT, emphasising safe, confident, and skilled riding. His story is one of continuous adaptation and passion-driven success, making him a pillar of RMT Motorcycle Training’s educational philosophy.

Qualification

Certificate in Consultative Skills and Fellow of Institute of IT Training
Diploma in Instructional Technique and Project Leadership
DVSA Certified CBT Instructor
DVSA Certified DAS Instructor
IAM Advanced Rider
IAM certificate holder
RoSPA Advanced Rider
Advanced Riding Instructor
ERS Riding Certificate

Experience

Royal Navy
IT Training roles
Managerial positions held
Head of Training and Development
European Tour guide

Memberships

IAM
RoSPA