HERO SUMMER 2014-15

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech | 01

SUMMER 2014-15 | ISSUE 1

CELEBRATE THE DOERS, THE INNOVATORS: THE HEROES WHO MAKE OUR WORLD GREAT

GET SKILLED for your dream job

SUMMER checklists

WIN an iPhone 6

KEEP CALMTHERE’S

FUNDING AVAILABLE

It’s time we celebrate the doers. The builders, the bakers, the fancy clothes-makers. The picture takers and flower bunchers, city makers and number crunchers. The protectors, the nurturers, the entertainers, and the people who make us all look beautiful. The upskillers, the room chillers, and the all-important pollution killers. The mariners and miners, mechanics and medics, the graziers and glaziers, and people who just amaze you. You’re the people who make the world turn. You’re the people who make great happen.

Automotive Building Electrical EngineeringCAD/Drafting Construction

Licensing MiningGas WeldingHazardous areas Plumbing

Front cover, from left: TAFE Queensland SkillsTech auto teacher Mark Booker, VET in Schools student Jordan Kidas, upskilling diesel fitter Rob Bowden, and plumbing apprentice Rechelle Gulliver.


Apprentice in the makingBefore he came to TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, Brisbane high school student Jordan Kidas lacked focus, direction and confidence. It showed in his studies, especially his results.

However, 18 months ago he found out about our Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program, enrolled in Certificate I in Construction, and hasn’t looked back.

“I’ve come a long way since I started a Certificate I in Construction a year ago at the beginning of Grade 11,” explains Jordan. “From a starting point of zero I’ve learnt about occupational health and safety, safe work practices in a construction environment, basic use of tools, equipment and materials, how to read site plans and undertake basic construction projects,” he said.

Studying construction at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech has also helped Jordan in ways he never imagined: “My TAFE teachers even nominated me for the Construction Skills Queensland apprentice awards, and I’m a finalist!”

“It has helped me realise the importance of setting goals for myself and committing to a course of action. It’s also important for advancing my career in the building and construction industry, especially as I progress from Certificate II to Certificate III, working towards my goal of becoming a certified builder and owning my own contracting business,” said Jordan.

BE YOUR OWN HEROCHOOSE A TRADE

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is a major provider of VETiS for high schools in Brisbane. Students can also gain qualifications through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, both on and off worksites and at school. For further information, contact your VET coordinator at school or our Schools unit by email: [email protected] Jordan Kidas

Everyone’s journey is different, and sometimes you need some extra support. At TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, we’re here to help.

Our Student Support Services team are available for all students and includes counselling, disability services, learning support, library services, and Indigenous student support.

Learning support is available to assist students with language, literacy or maths, if required, and can also be accessed prior to your apprenticeship.

Don’t forget – if you’re an apprentice you can still access student support even when not at one of our training centres. It’s just one of the ways we help you to make great happen at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech.

Here to help

Contact our Student Support Services team on 1800 782 000 or email: [email protected]

Published by TAFE Queensland SkillsTech’s Marketing and Communications team who has taken every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of its contents.

ENROL NOW

IT’S YOUR TIME

93%

GRADUATES GO ON TO WORK OR FURTHER STUDY

98%

COMPLETION RATE

91%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

95%

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

04 | tafeskillstech.edu.au | 1800 654 447

SUMMER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST

TyresTyres must be of a high standard and be pumped to the right level. Remember - check the spare tyre.

Car FluidsBrake fluid to engine coolant, wiper fluid to oil – all must be checked before long travel.

LuggageCheck luggage fits in your car.

Keeping SaneHave something to keep everyone occupied.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Matt Peers was working for a local steel shed manufacturer when he decided it was time for a change: “I got to a point where I wanted to develop and advance my skills,” said Matt.

“I started studying a Certificate III in Engineering specialising in Computer-aided Design (CAD), which I’d been interested in doing for years,” he said.

Determined to move off the factory floor and into the design department, using the momentum of his Certificate III experience at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, Matt decided to undertake a Certificate IV in Engineering.

Matt said the flexibility of his course – offered online, and face-to-face – was invaluable.

“The night classes worked for me, because I prefer classroom learning over learning by myself online. I’ve been a factory worker for most of my life and trade training has opened so many doors for me,” he said.

FIND OUT HOW MATT PEERS CHANGED GEARS FROM FACTORY HAND TO SITE SUPERVISOR

Matt Peers

“I’ve been a factory worker for most of my life and trade training has opened so many doors for me”

MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS UP TO STANDARD BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD THIS SUMMER. HERE’S SOME TIPS FROM OUR AUTO TEACHERS

WHERE IS HE NOW? Since gaining an advanced qualification, Matt has moved into a construction scheduler/site supervisor role at a national metal roofing and steel manufacturer.

Automotive Mechanical teacher Mark Booker is part of our Nissan Managed Apprentice Program – a partnership between TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, Nissan and WPC Group to train Nissan’s Queensland apprentices to full qualifications as specialised Nissan mechanics.We also have training partnerships with Fiat Chrysler Australia, Toyota Motor Corporation and Jeep Australia, making TAFE Queensland SkillsTech your best bet to take off in an automotive career. Mark BookerFind out more about our automotive courses at

tafeskillstech.edu.au/automotive

THE FUTURE IS HERE3D printing in CAD courses for manufacturing and engineering now available at our Acacia Ridge Training Centre. Look for the CAD logo on our homepage tafeskillstech.edu.au


From apprentice to business owner When Rechelle Gulliver finished high school she knew she wanted to work in a trade. During the course of some research to find a trade she spoke to a plumber and gasfitter: “We had a chat about my plans and he offered me a part-time internship in his plumbing business on the spot.”

Rechelle started working a couple of days a week to get a feel for the trade. “It was challenging but that’s what I loved about it, and it wasn’t long before the owner of the company offered me an apprenticeship and I said yes.”

Rechelle’s employer sent her to TAFE Queensland SkillsTech to start training for her Certificate III in Plumbing Services.

“The teaching staff were great and created a supportive and positive environment,” said Rechelle.

In fact, her teachers were so impressed by her abilities that Rechelle was nominated for the 2014 Queensland Training Awards Apprentice of the Year and was named a state finalist.

In her final year Rechelle was approached by one of her teachers and asked to compete in a WorldSkills Australia regional plumbing competition.

Rechelle went on to win gold in the Wide Bay WorldSkills regional heat, qualifying for the 2014 WorldSkills National Competition in Perth.

“Without my apprenticeship training I wouldn’t have the technical proficiency, skillsets, self-confidence and belief in my abilities to accomplish things like this. I was so proud of myself,” said Rechelle.

“I’ve now been asked to volunteer and mentor TAFE Queensland students for WorldSkills, which I am happy and honoured to be in a position to give back to my trade community.”

QUEENSLANDER WINS GOLD

Winning gold for Electrical Installation at the 2014 WorldSkills National Competition in Perth was no sweat off Luke’s back. He came out on top winning every speed challenge.

“I was thrilled to win – all the training I did with my TAFE teachers in preparation for the competition definitely paid off.”

Luke now goes on to intensive training with the 2015 Skills Squad with the ultimate goal of scoring a position as a 2015 Skillaroo representing Australia in Brazil - good luck!

Rocky Tamwoy from Bamaga in Far North Queensland recently completed a Certificate III in Power Equipment at our Bracken Ridge Training Centre. His decision to study at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech was simple: it’s the only training organisation in Queensland which offers the qualification and our flexibility and willingness to work in with his employer, the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council’s work schedule means he can now take his skills learnt back to his Indigenous community.

Luke Davies

Rocky (left) with teacher John O’Shea

“Without my apprenticeship training I wouldn’t have the technical proficiency,

skillsets, self-confidence and belief in my abilities to accomplish things like this”

WHERE IS SHE NOW? Rechelle’s star continues to shine with the latest milestone in her brilliant career being the offer of partnership in the business that took her on as

an apprentice. Rechelle Gulliver

MAKING HER OWN WAYBUILDING A FUTURE

06 | tafeskillstech.edu.au | 1800 654 447

ONLINE AND SHORT COURSES

PROTECT YOUR HOME As you take that well-deserved break this Summer, remember to take every precaution to ensure your house is safe and secure. Here are a few suggestions from our Security Technology teaching team to assist in reducing risk to your home and possessions while away.

• External doors should be solid and fitted with quality deadlocks.

• Security screens should be designed and installed to Australian Standards.

• Fit windows with secure locks that meet Australian Standards – do not leave keys in window locks.

• Ensure security grills/shutters are properly installed and allow exit in case of emergency like fire.

• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility of your property.

• Lock away items of value, such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden equipment such as ladders. Keep garage doors closed and locked.

• Install perimeter security lighting including sensor lights. Mark, engrave or microdot your property with serial numbers and record them.

• Join a neighbourhood watch group.

Open the door to a career in the locksmithing industry with enrolments available now for the pre-apprenticeship Certificate II in Engineering (Locksmithing) at our Eagle Farm Training Centre. Enrol now on 1800 654 447

Find out more about our courses at tafeskillstech.edu.au/locksmithing

Found a TAFE Queensland SkillsTech course you want to enrol in but don’t have the funds to pay for it? No problem. You may want to consider one of these options.

VET FEE-HELP – Financial assistance scheme similar to HECS at university, basically enrol now, pay later.

Payment plans – If you have difficulty paying the full amount of a course up front, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Certificate 3 Guarantee – Money towards your fees for one Certificate III qualification of your choice (the amount provided depends on the demand for skilled workers in each industry).

Scholarships – Contact TAFE Queensland SkillsTech to see if any scholarships are available to help with your education and training expenses.

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech’s online courses are self-paced and allow you to study when and where you like. It’s the reason why more than 2800 students studied online with TAFE Queensland SkillsTech in 2014.

Short courses are another great way to upskill, re-skill, prepare for university or just dabble in a hobby or area of interest. Some of our short courses are unique, such as the Penny Farthing Workshop.

Find out more about online and short course options on our website: tafeskillstech.edu.au/short or tafeskillstech.edu.au/online

FUNDING OPTIONS

KEEP CALM STUDY NOW PAY LATER

Find out about all your funding options phone 1800 654 447, email [email protected] or visit tafeskillstech.edu.au/funding


FINISHING OR FINISHED YOUR APPRENTICESHIP?Ask us about our loyalty program for past or current students wanting to upskill across electrical, welding, refrigeration and construction trade areas.

For more information call 1800 654 447

GOT SKILLS? GET RECOGNISED

Uni student comes to TAFE for practical trainingTrade-qualified diesel fitter, Rob Bowden is currently completing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Queensland.

Rob enrolled in TAFE Queensland SkillsTech’s Type B Reciprocating Engine Exemption Skills Set to enhance his heavy engine knowledge and skills and give himself an operational edge over competitors in the job market.

The week-long Type B Reciprocating Engine Exemption Skills Set provides participants with

mandatory qualifications, skills and knowledge needed to repair and maintain reciprocating gas fuelled engines in the burgeoning gas sector. So why did Rob choose TAFE Queensland SkillsTech?

“Three reasons,” begins Rob. “It’s the only training organisation in Queensland offering this course; it fits perfectly with my existing diesel fitting skills; and it also sharpens my operational readiness and process improvement skills meaning more job opportunities.”

In his early 30s, Rob outlined his career path as one that moves him away from day-to-day diesel mechanic duties to roles that are highly consultative, advising on large-scale projects with a view to improving systems, processes and, most importantly, outcomes.

“I’m the only person in my mechanical engineering class at university doing this course. Leaving aside the 10 years’ experience I’ve had in the field as a diesel fitter, I’m already a more attractive proposition for potential future employers.”

TAFE Queensland SkillsTech offers over 300 nationally recognised qualifications for careers in industries like automotive, construction, water operations, electrical, engineering and manufacturing. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) applies to all of them.

RPL is a form of assessment which recognises your current experience, skills and knowledge from the worksite against the course and qualifications you want.

If you apply for RPL you need to provide evidence, such as referees, work licences and permits. When you apply for RPL you work with one of our expert assessors who guide you through the process and may also conduct an interview and/or practical observation assessment.

To apply or find out more information contact 1800 654 447 or email [email protected]

Rob Bowden

“TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is the only training organisation in Queensland offering this course”

Find out how to get the job you want with our employment pathways.

SCAN HERE >>

If you’re over 21, work in manufacturing, engineering or construction - the Registered Trade Skills Pathway gives you a chance to get qualified without paying a cent.

FULLY FUNDED TRAINING AVAILABLE

Call us now to find out more 1800 654 447

CHOOSING TECH TRAININGFOR HIS CAREER

Listen and WIN!

Tune in to Triple M and B105 this month

for your chance to win an iPhone 6

Enter via their websites

Good luck!

tafeQueensland SkillsTech

Courses Study options

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1800 654 447 | tafeskillstech.edu.auRTO No. 31396 | CRICOS No. 02014M

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HERO SUMMER 2014-15