Kozo supports skills, confidence and opportunity at the Warwick campus

Working with students from a wide range of backgrounds, Kozo creates a supportive learning environment where individuals can strengthen their literacy, numeracy and English language skills while developing confidence in their own abilities.

For Kozo, education is about more than teaching. It is about helping people recognise their potential and supporting them to achieve goals they may once have thought were out of reach.

Before joining TAFE Queensland, Kozo worked as an assistant soccer coach, an experience that continues to influence his teaching approach today.

"Coaching taught me how to explain skills clearly, build confidence and adapt my approach to suit different people," he said.

After moving to Australia, Kozo pursued a career in English language teaching, completing university studies in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

He also gained valuable experience as a casual ELICOS teacher, helping English language learners develop their communication skills and confidence. Those experiences laid the foundation for a rewarding career in education.

Although he is still relatively new to the vocational education sector, Kozo is continuing to develop his teaching practice with a thoughtful and student-centred approach.

He credits much of his growth to the support of colleagues, mentors and students who have helped shape his teaching journey at the TAFE Queensland.

"I have learned a lot from the people around me," he said.

"Their support and feedback have helped me become more confident, reflective and flexible in my teaching practice."

Kozo chose TAFE Queensland because he saw an opportunity to contribute to the community while continuing to grow professionally.

"I was particularly interested in working with diverse learners who have different backgrounds, goals, experiences and learning needs," he said.

"TAFE Queensland gives me the opportunity to support students in practical and meaningful ways while helping them build skills and confidence for the future."

Kozo delivers training via the Australian Government-funded Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program.

The SEE program assists eligible individuals who are looking to upskill, find employment, or are registered as job seekers with Centrelink. Students can strengthen their literacy, numeracy and English language skills while building confidence through practical learning experiences.

The program also helps learners prepare for employment by developing job application and interview skills and exploring pathways into industries such as retail, business, information technology and hospitality. For many participants, it provides a valuable stepping stone towards further training, employment, and greater independence.

The most rewarding part of Kozo's role is witnessing the moment students overcome challenges and achieve milestones they once found difficult.

"Sometimes you can see the exact moment when something finally makes sense to a student," he said. "That is very meaningful to me."

He enjoys seeing students become more confident in class, engage in discussions, ask questions and seek support when they need it.

"I like working with students step by step as they overcome challenges and achieve their goals."

At the same time, Kozo says he learns just as much from his students as they learn from him.

"They teach me about different cultures, life experiences, perspectives and resilience. That shared learning is one of the most rewarding parts of my role."

Kozo credits the support of colleagues and mentors for helping him transition into teaching and develop confidence in the role.

"When I first started, my mentor guided me through the role, answered my questions and supported me every step of the way. That experience showed me how important it is to support one another."

Kozo is proud to work for an organisation that helps people change their lives through education and training.

"I feel proud to be part of an organisation that supports students from many different backgrounds and helps them build skills, confidence and opportunities for the future," he said.

"It is very meaningful to see students make progress because those steps can make a real difference in their lives. I'm very grateful to be part of the TAFE Queensland community."

At TAFE Queensland's Warwick campus, Kozo delivers training in a welcoming and supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and build confidence along the way.

"Students learn best when they feel comfortable, respected and safe to ask questions," he said.