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Heather builds a bright future with TAFE Queensland
For Heather Lloyd, education has been a lifelong journey that has taken her from bookkeeping to Mandarin, philosophy, workplace safety, and residential drafting.
Completing her Certificate IV in Residential Drafting (CPP40121) with TAFE Queensland, she stood before her fellow graduates to celebrate their collective accomplishments and the lessons learned.
“I believe that what we've achieved requires more than just academic dedication – it demands the courage to pursue our goals while juggling the complex symphony of life: our relationships, living conditions, finances, and work,” Heather shared.
The hands-on course equipped Heather with specialised skills in residential drafting, including the ability to produce technical drawings and use 3D modelling software.
She gained a strong understanding of construction materials, building methods, and industry regulations, ensuring she can create designs that comply with legislation and building codes.
Throughout the course, she developed expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) software while learning how to produce and document building designs for Class 1 and 10 structures under supervision.
She also learned soft skills, including essential communication skills, to collaborate effectively within the industry, and she’s ready to enter the building design sector to support building designers and architects in creating functional, compliant, and innovative residential spaces.
Beyond career prospects, education has given Heather and her peers unexpected skills - like the importance of backing up their work after that inevitable first computer crash!
Her tertiary education has taught her that success isn’t just about technical skills - it’s about adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.
“Our achievement will echo through our lives in ways we may not yet fully appreciate. Education is never, ever wasted,” she emphasised. “Its value extends beyond our individual growth - it enriches our entire community,” she said.
Heather’s path through education has been diverse. She began with a bookkeeping certificate, continued with a degree in Mandarin and Philosophy, and later pursued a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419).
That qualification enabled her team to maintain a workforce of 200+ manual workers free of lost-time injuries for over two years - a quiet but significant success.
When it came time to pursue residential drafting, the choice to study at TAFE Queensland was an easy one.
“The combination of TAFE Queensland’s expert teachers, comprehensive curriculum, and structured support is extraordinary,” she said.
“It doesn’t just teach us theory - it equips us with real-world competency in our chosen fields and, crucially, gives us the confidence to know exactly where to find help and information when we need it.”
Heather took a moment to recognise the dedication of TAFE Queensland’s teachers and staff, whose professionalism, warmth, and humour played an instrumental role in every graduate’s success.
She also reflected on a statement by Thomas Mayo about the importance of flooding our zones with hope and truth - words she believes firmly apply to their education.
“Our education has equipped us with both practical skills and the ability to think critically - tools essential for building a better-informed society,” Heather said.
As she and her fellow graduates step into the future, she encourages them to be kind to themselves and others, knowing their knowledge will positively shape the world around them.