1. 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
CALM
THERE’S
FUNDING
AVAILABLE

2. 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.

3. TAFE Queensland SkillsTech | 03
Apprentice in the making
Before 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 HERO
CHOOSE 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:
schools.skillstech@tafe.qld.edu.au 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:
studentservices.skillstech@tafe.qld.edu.au
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

4. 04 | tafeskillstech.edu.au | 1800 654 447
SUMMER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST
Tyres
Tyres must be of a high standard and be pumped to
the right level. Remember - check the spare tyre.
Car Fluids
Brake fluid to engine coolant, wiper fluid to oil
– all must be checked before long travel.
Luggage
Check luggage fits in your car.
Keeping Sane
Have 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 HERE
3D 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

5. TAFE Queensland SkillsTech | 05
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 WAY
BUILDING A FUTURE

6. 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 SkillsTech.Commercial@tafe.qld.edu.au or visit
tafeskillstech.edu.au/funding

7. TAFE Queensland SkillsTech | 07
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 training
Trade-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
SkillsTech.Recognition@tafe.qld.edu.au
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 TRAINING
FOR HIS CAREER

8. 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
Search courses e.g. plumbing
Enrol for 2015
Learn more
1800 654 447 | tafeskillstech.edu.au
RTO No. 31396 | CRICOS No. 02014M