Teaching the trades of tomorrow

Engineering teacher Brian Siebert has been named a finalist for VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards for the North region, recognised for his innovation, industry expertise, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge training at the Townsville Trade Training Centre (Bohle) campus.

An engineering teacher with a background in fitting and turning, applied technologies and defence transitions, Brian has quickly made a name for himself since joining TAFE Queensland in mid-2023.

“We’re trying to bring trades into the 21st century,” Brian said. “That means embracing new tools, new technology, and helping students see how all of these skills connect.”

Brian teaches Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) (MEM30219), Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies (10935NAT), and the Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822). His students range from school students to apprentices, through to defence personnel preparing to transition into civilian roles.

“Some of our veterans have never touched a lathe, never welded, never done any design work before. By the end of the course, they’ve created something of their own, something useful. That’s the moment that gets me every time.”

Students say Brian is approachable, passionate, and dedicated to helping them succeed.

“Every student learns differently. Some need visuals, some need to get hands-on straight away. I work with each person to find what clicks. When it does, you can see their whole outlook change.”

In 2023, Brian helped redesign the newly accredited Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822), creating resources that tied practical learning to a single, relatable concept. The course now follows a fictional coffee shop that students modernise through each unit – designing parts, automating systems, and programming solutions along the way.

“It tells a story,” Brian said. “And students get to see how every part of their learning works together. By the end of two years, they’ve transformed a business with technology. It’s practical, it’s cohesive, and it makes sense.”

Brian’s hands-on approach extends beyond the classroom. He maintains strong ties with local employers, regularly attending industry events, visiting job sites, and working with former students to improve real-world processes.

“We don’t just teach to the spec. We solve problems. One of my old students works in a recycling startup – I went out to help them improve safety and flow. Another called from a local manufacturing company, and I worked with them to program robot welders. That’s the point of all this. Sharing what we know to make things better.”

Brian is also an active mentor within the TAFE Queensland community, encouraging staff from other faculties to learn Computer Aided Design, and helping them problem-solve in ways that build their own skills.

“If someone needs help designing something, I don’t just fix it for them. We do it together, because that’s how we both learn. I think that’s the best part of working in VET. Everyone’s here to grow.”

As the only teacher delivering the Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822) in Queensland when it launched, Brian continues to lead the way in preparing students for Industry 4.0. His classes explore how automation, robotics and digital systems are changing how we work – and give students the skills to step into those roles.

“There’s still a skills shortage. Some employers don’t even know what’s possible yet with this kind of tech. That’s why these programs matter. We’re helping people see what’s next and how to get there.”

Brian is nominated alongside mental health educator Eileen Newman, who teaches at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville (Pimlico) campus. Together, their nominations highlight the breadth of skills, disciplines and passion in TAFE Queensland’s North region.

While Brian says he’s honoured by the recognition, it’s his students who keep him coming back.

“When someone walks in here with no background, no confidence, and walks out knowing they can build something or fix something or program a solution – that’s the real reward. That’s why I teach.”

The demand for engineering professionals is high, with Jobs Queensland data predicting a 9.2% growth rate by 2027-28.