Building skills and futures: Steve’s passion for hands-on learning

After completing his apprenticeship with Queensland Rail, he worked his way up to management before moving into the caravan and camper trailer industry. Along the way, he started his own repair business and even worked as a teacher aide in a high school trade skills centre. 

“While I was at the school, I knew teaching was the next step for me,” Steve said.

“So I got my TAE (Certificate IV in Training and Assessment) and moved on to TAFE.” 

“I made the decision to use my skills to train the younger generation and bring more people into the industry,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to pick the trade I love, so I want to advance that and keep those skills here in Australia.” 

Steve’s wealth of experience across small businesses, large organisations, and self-employment gives him a unique perspective in the classroom. 

“It assists greatly because I can sympathise with both small and large businesses,” he explained.

“I can impart my knowledge to students mainly through practical demonstrations. Theory is a necessary evil, but practical skills are what we’re really about.” 

As a hands-on problem solver, Steve knows that most of his students learn best the same way he does: by doing. 

“I’m a practical learner myself,” he said.

“Most of our guys and girls are visual learners, so they thrive more in a practical setting than in a classroom.” 

That’s why a typical day in Steve’s class starts with a little theory before heading straight into the workshop for as much hands-on time as possible. 

“I’ve always found that realism in a job engages students a lot more than hypotheticals,” said Steve.

“On a tool bench, doing life-size projects always seems to engage them and give them a better understanding.” 

One of Steve’s proudest achievements was building two full-size coffee trailers with high school students. 

“We had very limited tools, but we built them from scratch within 12 months,” he recalled.

“That kind of real-world project really motivates students.” 

Staying current is a priority for Steve and his colleagues. 

“Industry currency is vital for any teacher in an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) setting,” he explained.

“We keep current by doing industry visits, running my own business, and keeping up with new machinery and materials.” 

TAFE Queensland supports this commitment with purpose-built facilities designed exclusively for trades training. 

“At SkillsTech, it’s 100% trade – construction, engineering, automotive,” Steve said.

“We’re set up for one thing and one thing only: to train industry apprentices.” 

That includes access to the latest tools and techniques, giving students the confidence to take new ideas back to their workplaces and even step into leadership roles down the track. 

TAFE Queensland offers a range of delivery options to suit students and employers, including block training, workplace training, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and one-day-a-week flexible blocks. 

“Our teachers are extremely approachable,” he said.

“That enables better relationships and communication. We support our students through the learning journey.” 

For Steve, that support and the quality of training is what sets TAFE Queensland apart. 

“With employers sending apprentices to TAFE Queensland, it’s a good way to ensure they’re getting the correct training to make them job-ready and assist your business,” he said.

“And that’s regardless of whether we train them at your workplace or ours.” 

Steve’s advice for anyone considering a trade career is simple: choose something you love. 

“Pick something you’re passionate about,” he concluded.

“If you enjoy the work, you’ll stay engaged and you’ll enjoy going to work.”