Andrew’s career transition from plumber to mentor

At the time, Andrew was navigating significant personal challenges and had stepped back from his plumbing business to become a full‑time carer.

“I’d actually had a couple of significant life events, and I couldn’t work at that point,” he recalled.

“When I told my former colleague that, she said, ‘Well, what are you doing? TAFE Queensland is looking for a plumbing teacher — would you be interested?’”

That conversation opened a new door. Andrew contacted TAFE Queensland regarding the teaching opportunity, completed the application and interview process, and by early 2019 he was teaching as a foundation plumbing educator.

He completed his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) qualification that same year.

“It’s allowed me to care for my family and still provide for them,” he said.

Today, Andrew teaches across the entire plumbing trade.

“On a day‑to‑day basis, you’ll find me running classes in our workshops…there’s usually a combination of theory and practical work to be completed,” he explained.

“We could be digging trenches or practicing roof safety. My specialty is gas fitting, and I spend a lot of time training students undertaking the gas fitting classes.”

His passion for hands‑on, real‑world learning aligns strongly with TAFE Queensland’s commitment to providing state‑of‑the‑art training facilities.

Andrew works collaboratively with TAFE Queensland’s project development team, contributing his industry expertise to the design of the new gas training facility and the plumbing training tower currently under construction.

The modern facility is designed to reflect the systems, pressures, and safety requirements learners will face on real job sites, with access to live LPG and natural gas systems used in domestic and commercial kitchens, caravans, boats, and other industry environments.

Andrew is now teaching apprentices in this purpose‑built gas fitting workshop at the Toowoomba campus which was officially opened in early 2026.

For Andrew, these enhanced facilities directly improve learning outcomes.

“Since the opening of this new gas training facility, students are really getting it,” he said.

“They have all the resources they need. And when they walk away, they actually truly know what they’re doing and can apply it in the workplace.”

While Andrew has decades of trade experience, it’s the human connection that motivates him most.

“I enjoy the relationships I have with my students and building that connection,” he said.

“I’ve had students who started in the certificate II level plumbing course and have gone all the way through to being trade qualified…that’s really special.”

Having personally supported family through difficult times, Andrew says he recognises when students might need extra help.

“A lot of these apprentices just need the help and support to thrive…being able to guide them through that process and help them achieve their goals is very rewarding.”

He also speaks proudly of watching former TAFE Queensland plumbing apprentices being involved in the delivery of major on‑campus infrastructure projects.

“The team who built the gas training facility were all former or current students,” he shared.

“Seeing them running the project makes me feel incredibly proud. When we tell new students the facility was built by apprentices who trained here, you can see the light bulbs switch on.”

Andrew’s own journey into education reflects TAFE Queensland’s broader efforts to build a strong pipeline of industry‑skilled teachers.

Through the Foundation Educator Program, new recruits can complete the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) fully funded, practice their skills in a supervised environment, receive one‑on‑one mentoring from experienced educators, and earn an income while they learn.

On completion, many transition directly into teaching or tutoring roles with TAFE Queensland — creating a sustainable talent pipeline grounded in real industry experience.

Andrew’s plumbing career began in 2002 when he undertook his apprenticeship through TAFE Queensland.

Two decades later, he is helping the next generation build their own futures, supported by strong community connections, industry‑standard facilities, and a teaching culture that prioritises respect, safety, and growth.

“It’s cool to have come full circle,” he said.

“I’m still active in the plumbing industry, but now I get to help future plumbers get the skills and confidence they need.”