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From stadiums and parks to bus shelters and backyard sheds, the company’s projects are as diverse as the people behind them. And when it comes to training the next generation of skilled workers, Stoddart puts its trust in TAFE Queensland.
“TAFE Queensland is second to none,” said John, production manager at Stoddart. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
With more than 30 apprentices on the books at any one time, John oversees a wide range of trades – from electrical and refrigeration to boilermaking and sheet metal. He’s passionate about helping young people grow into confident, capable professionals, and he credits TAFE Queensland with playing a key role in that journey.
“We’ve had a wonderful relationship with TAFE Queensland,” he said.
“The teachers come out here, listen to what we need, and take it back to the classroom. That support helps our apprentices succeed and helps our business succeed too.”
For John, the benefits of partnering with TAFE Queensland go beyond technical training. It’s about communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success.
“We get great feedback from the teachers,” he explained.
“They check in after each block and let us know how the apprentices are going. That one-on-one relationship is really important for their growth and success.”
TAFE Queensland’s facilities also play a big role in preparing apprentices for real-world work. At the Acacia Ridge campus, students train on industry-standard equipment including CNC brake presses, plasma cutters, and simulated welding machines – tools they’ll use every day on the job.
“It’s a great training facility,” John said.
“The kids get to meet new people and make new friends, maybe even mates for life.”
John knows the value of a good apprenticeship firsthand. His own career started with a handshake in Bill Stoddart’s office more than 30 years ago. Since then, he’s helped shape the careers of countless apprentices – including Grahame, now an engineering teacher at TAFE Queensland.
“Grahame came on as a labourer and showed promise,” explained John.
“We gave him an apprenticeship, and he worked with us for around 20 years. He’s got that real-life experience we need to keep the relationship strong with TAFE Queensland.”
That experience is vital in an industry that’s constantly evolving. As technology advances, apprentices are learning new skills, moving from traditional welding to programming robots and cobots.
“When I started, I had a welder in my hand,” John said.
“Now apprentices could be teaching a robot how to weld. It’s exciting times with robotics and automation — apprentices are going to be learning totally different stuff.”
Inclusivity is another key value at Stoddart. John is proud of the diverse group of apprentices he works with, including Ila, who’s making her mark in the workshop and at TAFE Queensland.
“She’s fantastic,” he said.
“She listens, learns, and takes on what the tradesmen and leading hands tell her. She brings quality — and that’s what we need for our customers.”
John believes young women bring a valuable perspective to the workforce.
“It’s really important to have them in the industry,” he continued.
“They bring a different facet to your workforce.”
John believes it vital to have women like Ila joing the industry.
His advice to other employers considering where to send their apprentices?
“TAFE Queensland gives us the support we need,” he concluded.
“From the admin team right through to the teachers, we can’t fault it.”
With strong support from TAFE Queensland and a commitment to nurturing talent, John and the team at Stoddart are helping shape the future of Australian manufacturing — one apprentice at a time.