Geoff helps students Transition 2 Success

TAFE Queensland roof tiling teacher Geoff Midson has been training students in apprenticeships and other courses for less than two years, but has already found what he most enjoys: teaching students as part of the Department of Youth Justice’s Transition 2 Success (T2S) program.

Having enjoyed a long career in the niche trade of roof tiling, Geoff decided his next challenge would be to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of tradespeople. In addition to his core duties of training apprentices, Geoff has put his hand up to conduct some of the training TAFE Queensland provides under its agreement with the Department of Youth Justice.

The agreement sees TAFE Queensland training opportunities form an essential part of the T2S program for young people in, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system to set them on a new path towards meaningful employment and a successful start to adulthood.

Common training days for these groups include gaining their Construction White Card (an essential safety ticket to working on construction sites across Queensland in any capacity), learning life skills such as first aid and CPR, and trade taster days to form basic skills and understanding of various occupations and industries.

On a recent training day with Geoff at TAFE Queensland’s Caboolture campus, a group of young people from Caboolture T2S were treated to a trade taster in roof tiling and gained many new skills and an understanding of a trade most had not heard of prior.

Feedback from the young people was overwhelmingly positive, with a few claiming it was the most interesting and engaging training day they had done with the program and declaring their interest in pursuing employment in the industry as encouraged by their teacher for the day.

Geoff said he thoroughly enjoyed the training day and felt it was a great way to promote his niche trade to the students.

“The interest level from the students was really high, they were engaged in the skills we worked on and some of them showed great promise and interest in pursuing a job in the field,” Mr Midson said.

“They were keen to learn and showed their work ethic on the day, and I think some of them could make a successful career out of roof tiling given the right support.”

“It just goes to show that when somebody finds the right industry they can totally change directions and dive into something meaningful that gives them the satisfaction they’re looking for,” he said.

Ryan de Groot, Senior Transitions Officer at Caboolture Youth Justice Services, highlighted Geoff as an exemplary and passionate TAFE Queensland teacher supporting the T2S program.

Ryan noted many young people in T2S require additional support and patience from educators, which is essential to help them overcome barriers.

“Many young people engaged with Youth Justice face various challenges, including significant gaps in their educational journey which often impacts their involvement in programs such as Transition 2 Success,” Mr de Groot said.

“TAFE Trainers such as Geoff adopt a compassionate and understanding approach, recognising the unique circumstances and backgrounds of each student.”

“Prior to engaging in training at TAFE Queensland, many participants of the T2S course harboured doubts regarding their acceptance and suitability, with some expressing sentiments such as ‘people like me don’t go to TAFE.’”

“However, following several training sessions, acquisition of White Cards, and notably, participation in the Roof Tiling Try a Trade program led by Trainer Geoff Midson, there has been a notable shift in attitudes and perceptions. Positive and constructive discussions have emerged, highlighting the potential achievements and opportunities awaiting them in the future.”

“As a result of their TAFE experiences, numerous young people are actively exploring further educational avenues post-program, with one participant securing employment as an apprentice directly influenced by their participation in the roof tiling Try a Trade initiative,” he said.