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Brad brings industry career knowledge to educator role
Driven by almost 40 years of industry experience, Brad Coombs returns to TAFE Queensland to upskill the next generation of rec vehicle apprentices.
Brad Coombs' career in the recreational vehicle service and repair industry began right out of high school in 1986 after enrolling in a TAFE Queensland pre-vocational trade course.
This course provided the foundational trade knowledge that has assisted Brad's almost 40 years of RV industry experience in bus and coach manufacturing, motorhome production, truck trailer repairs, heavy engineering, and caravan repairs.
"My trade background, strengthened by ongoing TAFE training, has evolved over the past two decades in the workplace to include management and supervisory roles. I’ve consistently applied my technical knowledge and leadership skills to guide project teams and improve workshop operations." Brad said.
A turning point came to Brad after an opportunity to gain a qualification utilising the industry experience he had using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through TAFE Queensland. This opportunity allowed his business to experience growth and multiple apprentices to provide stability and a future for the RV maintenance industry.
Through this prospect, Brad discovered his passion for mentoring colleagues, thus beginning his career shift into full-time vocational training.
"This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my journey — one where I’m committed to sharing my industry knowledge with the next generation of tradespeople, combining practical expertise with a deep dedication to education." Brad said
Now a teacher at the TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Acacia Ridge Campus, Brad is leading the next generation of RV body building, service and repair apprentices.
In 2021, TAFE Queensland became the first training provider in Queensland to introduce courses catering to the recreational vehicle industry. These courses include the Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31015) and Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing (MSM31115) which are both delivered at the purpose-built facility at the TAFE Queensland Acacia Ridge campus.
The courses aims to develop the practical knowledge and skills required to service and repair a variety of recreational vehicles to Australian standards and the Australian Design Rule.
With Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) capacity built into the courses, experienced workers can enrol and just learn the skills they're not already proficient in. The RPL system is how over 120 students have received qualifications in one year that would usually take three to four years.
"We deliver training utilising industry donated items such as caravans and accessories so that we can contextualise our teaching and assessments using resources aligned to the students own workplace. Our teachers are continually in touch with industry to keep up with emerging technologies and changes in the workplace or industry, along with gaining input from the student." Brad concluded.