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Peter is forging trade futures in regional Queensland
For Peter Town, a boilermaker by trade and long-time TAFE Queensland engineering educator, the most rewarding part of his role is watching students' progress from ‘green’ apprentice, to tradesperson, to later being in a position where they are hiring apprentices of their own.
“That’s the real highlight — the student’s hunger and acquisition of skills and then progress to experience — for me,” Peter explained.
“As for the industry itself, I love receiving workshop drawings, doing the work, and then having the work go out the door, ready to function. I love making useful things,” he continued.
Fortunately for Peter, who leads the delivery of the Certificate II in Engineering (MEM20105) at TAFE Queensland’s Kingaroy campus and Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM31922) at TAFE Queensland’s Dalby and Kingaroy campuses, he teaches and works within his own business, and by doing so maintains industry currency, which directly benefits his students.
“I still contract outside of TAFE Queensland under my own ABN. I’ve got a machine shop and mobile fabrication gear, and I take on jobs when time allows,” Peter explained.
Peter began teaching at TAFE Queensland in 2004, still in his twenties. His own career was forged early and advanced swiftly - starting with a pre-vocational fabrication course that laid the groundwork for his technical skill. Over time, he refined his precision and leadership, eventually stepping into the role of workshop supervisor, where he oversaw 35 staff and passed on the craft to up to six apprentices under his guidance “I was working closely with the metal fabrication education team in Toowoomba through my role as Chair of the Industry Advisory Council,” Peter explained.
“When a teaching position came up, they said, ‘Why don’t you apply?’ — and I’ve been with TAFE Queensland ever since.”
“I saw working with TAFE Queensland as a chance to pass on my trade skills and step away from the full-on workshop work. It was too good an opportunity to pass up,” he said.
Twenty-one years later Peter’s proudest teaching story involves a student who had been told by other people he’d “never amount to anything.”
“I worked with this student through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and provided some gap training. He listened to absolutely everything we had to share, he learned, and went on to start a multimillion-dollar business in Toowoomba,” Peter said.
“He’s now employing others. He’s proof of why you shouldn’t give up on people. He's doing stuff now that others would have dreamt about.”
Drawing on years of experience in both the industry and in vocational education and training, Peter’s advice to others considering a fabrication trade career is to be proactive and build connections.
“Knock on doors, put your face into workshops, and show you’re keen. Employers want someone who shows up and wants to be there. Put some time in on your school holidays — enthusiasm is what it’s about,” he said.
“And whatever you study, whether it’s vocational or tertiary, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. That’s when you’ll engage, learn, and enjoy it,” Peter advised.
In Peter’s view, TAFE Queensland has a distinct advantage over other training providers.
“I believe we place a stronger emphasis on student outcomes rather than financial metrics. I’ve seen apprentices who have struggled in other environments come here and truly thrive.”
“I really feel we give everyone the best shot at succeeding in their trade. I feel we’re more results-oriented, and I think that shows in the calibre of the students (and specifically their trade skills) we produce.”
“Every person gets an opportunity to become the best that they can in their chosen field,” Peter finished.