Michael is helping apprentices master the art of diagnostics
After 30 years working across the automotive and mechanical industry, Michael has spent his career solving problems, diagnosing faults and keeping equipment running.
Today, he's passing that expertise on to the next generation of tradespeople through TAFE Queensland's newest outdoor power equipment training offering at the Ipswich campus.
As a Senior Automotive Teacher at TAFE Queensland's Ipswich campus, Michael is delivering the Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology (AUR30720), which has recently been added to the suite of trade qualifications available at the campus.
The hands-on course gives apprentices the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to build a career in the evolving outdoor power equipment industry.
"Outdoor power equipment isn't just lawnmowers anymore," explained Michael.
"The industry includes chainsaws, brush cutters, ride-on mowers, generators, pumps, commercial equipment, battery-powered equipment and increasingly sophisticated electronically controlled and robotic equipment."
Apprentices undertaking the Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology (AUR30720) develop hands-on skills in servicing, fault-finding and repairing a wide range of equipment. The course covers two-stroke and four-stroke engines, fuel and ignition systems, electrical testing, engine diagnosis, transmissions and other mechanical systems.
As technology continues to transform the industry, students also learn how to work with modern diagnostic systems and emerging technologies.
"We want students developing modern diagnostic skills," Michael says.
"The industry is changing, so understanding electrical systems, battery technology, electronic controls and diagnostic processes is becoming increasingly important alongside traditional mechanical skills."
Prior to teaching, Michael's experience spans three decades across a broad range of automotive and mechanical sectors, including engine reconditioning, light and heavy vehicles, forklifts, mobile plant and outdoor power equipment.
"I've spent most of my working life in the automotive and mechanical industry," Michael said.
"I've worked hands-on with servicing, diagnostics and repairs, including petrol, diesel and LPG equipment, electrical and hydraulic systems, engines and driveline components. That industry experience is something I really value now as a teacher because I can relate what we're teaching back to situations apprentices will encounter in the workplace."
Even after transitioning into vocational education nine years, Michael has taught a number of automotive qualifications and remained closely connected to industry to ensure students are learning the latest techniques and technologies.
“I’ve been involved in automotive training across a few areas, including light and heavy vehicle qualifications, now I’ve moved into outdoor power equipment,” he said.
"Technology changes quickly, particularly with electronic diagnostics, battery equipment and connected systems, so staying current is important."
For Michael, the most rewarding part of the role is watching students develop confidence and problem-solving skills.
"Someone might come into the workshop unsure of themselves or struggling with a particular concept, and then you see the moment it clicks," he says.
"Rather than just replacing parts, I want students to understand why something failed, how to test it properly and how to prove their diagnosis. Watching them develop that confidence and problem-solving ability is very rewarding."
Michael brings real-world scenarios from the workplace into the classroom and believes practical learning is critical to student success.
"A big part of my day is being in the workshop with students," he says.
"We can discuss the theory, but then I want students getting their hands on the equipment, testing it, pulling it apart where appropriate and learning how to diagnose faults systematically."
He believes TAFE Queensland's strong student-first approach and close connection to industry helps prepare graduates for long-term success.
"We're not training people simply to complete a qualification; we're preparing them to enter workplaces as productive, safe and capable tradespeople," he says.
Michael is particularly proud of the role the Ipswich campus is playing in meeting local industry demand.
"Bringing outdoor power equipment training to the Ipswich campus gives people another pathway into the automotive and mechanical trades and gives employers access to training closer to home," he says.
"For me, that's what TAFE should be about, connecting quality training with real industry needs."