Building futures from the ground up

Troy has been named a finalist for VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards for the Tropical North region, recognised for his unwavering commitment to his students, his deep connections with community and industry, and his drive to redefine vocational education.

“It’s never just about the machine or the skill,” Troy said. “It’s about the person standing behind it – helping them grow, feel capable, and see what’s possible.”

Now in his 13th year with TAFE Queensland, Troy delivers training in civil construction and landscape construction. But his road to the classroom was anything but linear. After initially missing out on an apprenticeship in diesel fitting, he found work in gardening and landscaping at a nursing home, sparking a love for hands-on work.

It wasn’t until a year teaching English in China that Troy realised teaching was part of his calling.

“That trip showed me the joy of seeing someone understand something for the first time. I knew I wanted to teach one day. It just took a bit of life to get there,” he said.

Troy eventually completed an apprenticeship in landscaping and ran a successful business for over a decade before finally arriving at TAFE Queensland, where he now inspires students across Far North Queensland.

Troy's impact is perhaps most visible on Thursday Island, where he revived a TAFE at School civil construction program that had previously struggled to attract enrolments.

“They gave me three two-week blocks to work with the kids, and I just went all in,” he said. “We ended up with 14 completions that year – way above what anyone expected.”

The students wanted him back so badly they joked about repeating the course just to stay in class. Instead, Troy worked with his team to introduce the Certificate II in Indigenous Housing to keep them learning. “They’re great kids. I couldn’t walk away from that,” he said.

Troy is one of three TAFE Queensland educators nominated in this year’s Tropical North awards, joining early childhood education teacher Stacy Walters and hairdressing teacher Paul Pardini.

Troy’s approach is refreshingly practical.

“We do prac first. The students get their hands dirty before the theory starts. That way, when we do get to the classroom, they already have a feel for what we’re talking about,” he said. “The theory sticks better when you’ve lived it.”

His adaptability and honesty also help students feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes. “I tell them upfront that I’m human and I mess up too. That opens the door for learning in a big way.”

This down-to-earth approach has helped hundreds of students, including individuals at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, where Troy delivered programs for nearly a decade.

“A lot of those guys had the skills already, just no paper to prove it. Getting them qualified meant they had a shot when they got out. That was the goal.”

His passion for mentoring doesn’t stop at students. Troy is a leader on TAFE Queensland’s Professional Learning Committee, where he helps shape teaching resources across the state. He recently rewrote resources for the updated Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation to better suit learners with low literacy.

“It’s about making things usable and real,” he said. “I want every student to have a fair shot, no matter where they start.”

Troy's connections with industry run deep. A licensed member of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), he keeps his skills current through site visits with local companies.

“I get called out to help on paving jobs or irrigation installs. I bring that straight back to class,” he said.

That industry insight led to a major improvement in the Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921), which now includes the right electives to meet QBCC licensing requirements.

“Before, students had to go do extra study to get licensed. Now they graduate ready to go – it’s made a huge difference.”

His reputation for collaboration sees him regularly tapped to upskill employees, most recently helping Hutchinson Builders get new recruits site ready.

“They called on my day off, and I didn’t hesitate. That’s what we’re here for,” he said.

Troy is also doing his part to shift perceptions around landscaping.

“People still think it’s mowing lawns and hedge trimming. But it’s so much more. We build decks, patios, stone walls. There’s real craftsmanship involved. And the industry is screaming out for people.”

He’s not afraid to speak plainly about the skills shortage.

“If I had 12 good students right now, I could get them all jobs tomorrow. There’s demand. We just need to show people that trades are a smart career choice.”

A long-time volunteer with WorldSkills Australia, Troy has judged regional competitions in Landscape Construction for more than three years and made his national judging debut at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Finals in Brisbane. He also volunteers with trade taster events to help young people experience the world of construction firsthand.

“WorldSkills is a great reminder of what excellence looks like. And Trade Tasters? That’s where the spark happens. It’s where kids go, 'Hey, maybe this is for me.’”

When asked what motivates him, Troy keeps it simple: “I get to help people find purpose. I get to teach something I love. That’s enough for me.”

With a practical training ground and a toolbox full of experience, Troy Bloustien continues to build not just careers, but confidence, capability and community. And that’s something worth recognising.