Jack goes from curiosity to coding with TAFE Queensland Scholarship

From a young age, he was drawn to the idea that something as intricate as a computer’s hardware and software could radically transform how people communicate, connect, and share information.

That early fascination stuck with him, and before studying with TAFE Queensland, Jack pursued self-directed learning, diving into programming courses through FreeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, and problem-solving platforms like LeetCode.

These tools helped him build a strong technical foundation and confirmed that IT was more than just a passing interest - it was a calling.

After completing a Certificate III in Information Technology (Front-End Web Development) (ICT30120- WEBDEV) through TAFE Queensland, Jack was inspired by the hands-on, supportive learning environment.

That experience gave him the confidence to keep enrolling in the Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Programming) (ICT50220- ADVPRO), a course he believed would help him become a full-stack developer.

He was drawn to the diploma for its broad and practical curriculum, covering everything from programming fundamentals and database integration to deploying real-world applications.

“TAFE Queensland blends theory with practical training by teaching core concepts like programming, databases, deployment, and user interface (UI) design in the classroom, then reinforcing them through coding exercises and real-world projects,” he explained.

Jack found the content relevant and appreciated how it blended theoretical learning with hands-on projects.

Building applications from scratch using Java, C#, and Microsoft SQL Server brought the course to life. He didn’t just learn concepts - he applied them.

For Jack, the experience has been transformative. He credits much of his growth to the support from his teachers, who bring industry experience into the classroom and take the time to explain complex topics clearly.

“TAFE Queensland teachers have been incredibly supportive, combining real industry experience with a clear, engaging teaching style. Their practical approach and patient guidance made complex topics easier to understand and boosted my confidence, especially during hands-on projects,” he explained.

“Their feedback and encouragement helped sharpen my technical and problem-solving skills and build my confidence, while their encouragement kept me motivated through challenges.”

“Thanks to their support, I feel well-prepared to take the next step toward a career as a full-stack developer, with a strong sense of confidence and capability.”

Jack was also awarded a TAFE Queensland Merit Scholarship, which was awarded for his academic potential and commitment to the field.

Merit scholarships are designed to support individuals who have demonstrated high levels of achievement to advance their careers.

These scholarships are awarded to students who show outstanding academic merit or strong performance in their field of study and a clear commitment to securing long-term employment in their chosen industry.

The scholarship eased Jack’s financial stress and allowed him to reduce work hours, giving him the space to focus more fully on his studies. But more than that, it gave him a boost in motivation.

“Being awarded a TAFE Queensland Scholarship made me feel recognised and supported and pushed me to work even harder,” he said.

Since starting the course, Jack has developed core skills in programming languages like Java and C# and front-end tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

He's learned how to build and deploy full applications, strengthened his problem-solving abilities, and improved his time management and communication skills through group projects and presentations.

“TAFE Queensland gave me the technical skills and real-world experience to grow as a full-stack developer, while continuing to build my confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities,” he said.

“Bringing my code to life through hands-on projects was the most rewarding part, and it confirmed my passion and prepared me for the challenges ahead.”

Looking back, Jack says the most rewarding part has been seeing how his coding fits together to solve real problems and create something functional. That sense of accomplishment fuels his passion and solidifies his commitment to a software and web development career.

Jack's advice to anyone considering getting into IT but unsure where to start is simple: take small steps, stay curious, and be consistent.

“You don’t need to know everything upfront. Just take that first step and be willing to learn. I never imagined getting this far, but I’m glad I started when I did,” concluded Jack.

Thanks to TAFE Queensland and the support of a life-changing scholarship, Jack is now on track to make his mark in the IT industry, equipped with technical knowledge and the confidence, drive, and resilience to keep growing.