From transport to tasting notes - Nick finds his calling

Today, Nick plays a key role in producing award-winning spirits, using skills from TAFE Queensland’s Certificate III in Food Processing (Distilling)(FBP30121) qualification to refine products, develop recipes and grow the business.

"I've had a few careers over the years, but this is the most fun I've ever had at work. I drive up from Brisbane every day, and I'm never thinking, 'I've got to go to work'. I'm always happy to be here," he said.

Nick joined Cauldron Distillery four years ago after being approached by one of the business owners, who recognised his strong operational background.

Initially brought in to focus on sales, he quickly became involved in all aspects of the business and now spends most of his time producing spirits, developing new products and delivering customer experiences.

"I wouldn't even say I have a particular role. I do about 95 per cent of the distilling, I run blending classes and distilling classes, and if needed, I'll jump out the front and help customers. That's one of the great things about working here," he explained.

When TAFE Queensland launched the distilling qualification with Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s (MSQ) Craft Distilling Pilot Project, Nick immediately saw an opportunity to formalise and expand the knowledge he had gained on the job.

Developed in partnership with MSQ, the industry-led initiative was created to address skills shortages and establish a formal training pathway for Queensland's growing craft spirits industry.

"There had been talk in the industry for a long time about the need for a proper qualification, and when the course became available, I put my hand up straight away,” Nick said.

While Nick had already spent several years working as a distiller, he found the qualification provided valuable insight into the science and theory underpinning the production process.

"It helped fine-tune what I was already doing," he said.

"I've always been someone who learns by doing, but the hands-on nature of the course gave me a deeper understanding of why things happen and what's going on behind the scenes. That extra knowledge makes a real difference."

Nick particularly valued the support of TAFE Queensland teachers who visited him at Cauldron Distillery as part of the workplace-based training.

"Kate has a fantastic teaching style, and Hendo has an incredible depth of industry knowledge," he said.

"It was great to be able to bounce ideas off people who have spent years in the industry who really understand the technical side of brewing and distilling."

For Nick, the qualification reinforced the importance of understanding both brewing and distilling processes, particularly given their close connection in spirit production.

"I'd recommend the course to anyone wanting to get into the industry," he said.

"Whether your goal is brewing or distilling, the knowledge complements each other. The more you understand about the whole process, the better you'll be."

For Nick, being part of that success is deeply rewarding. Recently, he celebrated a career milestone when one of his own spirit recipes was released to market.

"I've got a spirit on the shelf now that's my recipe," he said. "If you'd told me five years ago that would happen, I would've laughed."

Looking ahead, Nick hopes to continue creating products that customers genuinely connect with while helping maintain the high standards that have earned Cauldron Distillery its reputation.

"My first boss taught me that if you put your name on something, it has to mean something," he said.

"That's how we approach everything here. We don't make anything that's mediocre. We want every bottle that leaves this place to be the best it can be."

For Nick, TAFE Queensland provided another important step in a career built on lifelong learning and practical experience.

"There's still enough challenge here that I enjoy coming to work every day. The course helped build on what I already knew and gave me a stronger foundation for where I want to go next,” concluded Nick.