TAFE Queensland helps Wes bring events to life

Today, as the founder and director of Artefact Group and the creative force behind The Depot at the Brisbane Truck Show, Wes is reshaping how people experience live events in Queensland.

His journey from high school student to successful event professional started with TAFE Queensland, where he gained the skills and confidence to take on large-scale projects that deliver lasting impact.

Before officially studying event management, Wes was already getting his hands dirty in the industry.

While still in high school, he juggled a part-time job at McDonald’s with a role as a function’s assistant at Eatons Hill Hotel - experiences that sparked his interest in the energy and creativity of events.

Through TAFE at School, Wes studied a Certificate III in Events (SIT30522), getting an early taste of event management, helping with real events that laid the groundwork for his passion.

TAFE at School helps students get a head start on their career or future study plans, with courses designed to work with school commitments, often replacing one senior subject and aligning with Queensland school terms.

“When I realised I wanted to pursue events as a career seriously, it made sense to continue with TAFE Queensland. It felt familiar, accessible, and closely connected to the industry,” Wes says.

Studying the Diploma of Event Management (SIT50322), Wes honed the practical skills he now uses every day: budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.

“The course gave me the confidence to speak the language of the industry and manage all the moving parts of an event,” he explained.

But it wasn’t just about technical know-how. His teachers brought a wealth of their own industry experience into every lesson, sharing insights that prepared Wes for the real world.

They also opened doors to opportunities that helped shape his career, including an internship at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) with the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA).

“That hands-on experience gave me my first taste of large-scale events and showed me how to put theory into practice,” Wes recalled.

Now, Wes is at the helm of Artefact Group, delivering The Depot - a dynamic outdoor activation at the Brisbane Truck Show that’s become a cornerstone of the event. 

What started as a small display area for education and careers has become a fully branded space, connecting industry, education providers, and the public meaningfully.

In a full circle moment, The Depot was held at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus in 2025, returning Wes to the campus where he trained for his career.

“Transforming the careers and training presence at the Brisbane Truck Show into The Depot has been a major milestone,” Wes said. 

“We’ve built partnerships with TAFE Queensland, government, and industry to showcase real pathways into the transport sector.”

The Depot isn’t just an event space - it’s a platform for workforce development and community engagement, proof of how Wes’s training in stakeholder management, risk assessment, and compliance comes to life on the ground.

“TAFE Queensland helped me develop a deep understanding of every detail that goes into designing an experience. That mix of creativity and structure is something I bring to every project I deliver,” he said.

From his early days volunteering at the Brisbane Truck Show front desk to running significant activations, Wes’s story shows how practical, industry-connected training at TAFE Queensland can turn a passion into a successful career.

Crediting his TAFE Queensland training for giving him the job-ready skills and industry connections he needed to build his career, his advice to anyone considering a career in events is simple.

“Just start. Say yes to the small gigs, volunteer, network and jump in wherever you can - because it all adds up,” concluded Wes.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in events. And as Wes proves, TAFE Queensland is the perfect place to start.