'Wood'n't change it for the world

“I'm a Leading Vocational Teacher at the TAFE Queensland Toowoomba campus — I teach furnishing, which comprises of wood machining and cabinet making,” Andrew began.

Andrew started his career with an apprenticeship as a wood machinist in Toowoomba, completing block training at what was then known as the Ithaca College of TAFE in Brisbane.

He had left school in Year 10, after not wanting to pursue senior school or higher education. But that later changed, with his trade qualification subsequently giving him a year’s credit towards university.

Andrew spent ten years in woodworking, refining his craft, employed as both a wood machinist and cabinet maker, based in Toowoomba and then in London.

Following his decade in the trade, Andrew began a new journey and he transitioned into teaching, by completing a Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Teaching.

“My trade got me into university. I got my degree and became a Leading Vocational Teacher with TAFE Queensland. I’m also a registered secondary school teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers,” shared Andrew.

“These days though, in addition to teaching the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322) and Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways (MSF20522) courses, I'm also actually renovating my own house.”

Andrew really enjoys the gentler pace of teaching the skills and experience he’s amassed over the years, passing on his enthusiasm for the trade to cabinet and furniture makers-in-training.

“The students I teach are mainly apprentices and TAFE at School students. They enjoy coming to campus because they get to mix with other apprentices from other companies, and they get to do a range of activities they don’t typically get to do a lot of at work,” Andrew said.

“We give them a broader range of projects and problem-solving opportunities. It's all lockstep teaching — we break it down and we slow it down so they can absorb the knowledge, and they share knowledge with each other as well,” he said.

In the classroom, Andrew emphasises practical skills and problem-solving, with a typical day including a mix of activities.

“It varies a lot, but generally we try and do the theory in the morning, to get that and the drawing out of the way (when the students are a bit fresher), then we do practical activities in the afternoon.”

“With that said, there’s not a lot of theory — probably 20 per cent theory versus 80 per cent practical work. We try to align it with industry. We actually start at 7.30am also — because that reflects industry too and gets the students into the right work pattern and schedule,” Andrew shared.

Andrew’s students also benefit from working on a diverse range of projects.

“All of our units are project-based. We start ‘small’ in the early stages. We make a little carryall, breadboards, and cheese platters. We then work up to bedside cabinets and we use machines to make some cupboards, and flatpacks too.  We go on to make bar stools and we always try to recover all materials,” he continued, a reflection of TAFE Queensland’s commitment to sustainability.

“I also ensure the students get the choice if they want to make their own project. As long as I meet all of the learning outcomes of the training package, I say to them — “Off you go. Materials are here. Look after the environment. We don't want to be throwing good timber in the bin.’” And that approach seems to get them working, and keeps them interested,” said Andrew.

Andrew’s advice to aspiring cabinet makers is valuable: this trade offers lifelong learning opportunities, diverse work environments, and the chance to create something meaningful.

“This trade is a lifelong skill — you will always learn something new with it — there are always new trends, ways of doing things, new machines, and you can make yourself a small fortune, saving on trades for your own stuff at home,” he said.

“This trade gets a lot of variety too — you’re out of workshops, into houses, doing shopping centre fit outs and travelling. It’s a skill needed and therefore valued everywhere. Ultimately — take it up — the best thing I've had in my life is my apprenticeship. It opened up so many doors,” Andrew finished.