Bernard has a Bachelor of Science Degree, (majoring in biochemistry and organic chemistry), from the University of Adelaide.

 He worked for a number of detergent and paint manufacturers over many years in various positions, including Chief Chemist, Factory Manager, Research and Development Chemist, Territory Manager, and Corporate Account Manager.

 His responsibilities in the laboratory included development of new and improved cleaning products, quality assurance of factory batches, stock control of raw materials and assisting sales staff and customers with technical advice.  One project involving the development of pigment systems in alkyd paints led to an annual savings to the company of over AU$30,000.

As Factory Manager, Bernard was responsible for designing a detergent production facility (a design that was later recognised for its superior spill containment measures by the Torrens River Catchment Board), managing the factory staff and production schedules. He was instrumental in the integration of the company’s computerised accounting and stock control system and also acted as the IT manager.