A tradie’s path to teaching

After 18 years in the automotive industry, Ryan was looking for a change, and teaching gave him a clear path for career growth while allowing him to stay connected to the trade.

“I was managing an automotive workshop and enrolled in the training because I thought it would be a good step forward,” Ryan said. “There were only three mechanic teachers in Bundaberg, and I saw it as a chance to get ahead and try something new.”

Ryan said being a role model and supporting students on their journey, whether they are school leavers or career changers, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“Teachers with current industry experience bring enormous value to the classroom because students benefit from practical, real-world knowledge,” he said.

“You don’t have to get off the tools to make an impact,” he said. “It’s about bringing real, hands-on skills into the classroom and passing them on.”

He said he still remembers the TAFE teachers who helped shape his own career and wanted to be that person for someone else.

Ryan completed the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122 at TAFE Queensland and came away with a new career.

“It was definitely challenging at times, but I kept going and got through it,” he said. “The assessments came quickly, and writing was not something I felt confident in at first, but it was all part of the learning experience.”

He said the teaching staff understood many participants came from hands-on backgrounds and adapted their approach to help them succeed.

“They tailored classes, presented the material in different ways and made it easier to keep up,” he said.

Ryan said many tradies underestimate what they are capable of when it comes to study and teaching.

“A lot of tradies are smarter than they think. When you work with your hands, you can forget you are also capable of theory-based learning. It can feel daunting if you haven’t studied for a long time, but you can do it.”

Over five years at TAFE Queensland, Ryan estimates he has taught more than 250 students, from high school learners in TAFE at School to apprentices and diesel fitters working in the mines.

He said the wide mix of ages, backgrounds and skill levels is one of the most engaging aspects of the role.

“What works for a 15-year-old student is different to what works for a fourth-year apprentice or a diesel mechanic in the mines, and that’s what makes the job so varied and interesting,” he said.

Ryan said TAFE Queensland offers a rewarding long-term career for industry professionals looking to make a difference.

Having left school at 16 to start an apprenticeship, Ryan said he knows firsthand that a hands-on career can be the right fit.

Ryan wants students to know there are many pathways to success, especially for those who did not thrive at school.

“Sometimes people think that if school didn’t work out, there are no other options,” he said. “I want young people to know there are other avenues and real careers waiting for them.”

“If you had told my mum when I was 17 that I’d become a teacher, she would have said, ‘No way.’”

If you're looking for a career change, or you're a parent returning to work, becoming a TAFE teacher could be your next career step.