Across Victoria, skilled workers are in high demand – particularly in the trades. As industries look to build a strong pipeline of talent, there is also a need for qualified trainers and assessors with real-world experience to prepare students with the skills employers need.
For experienced professionals, this creates a meaningful opportunity: to stay connected to their trade while helping shape its future. With a recognised qualification like the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122), your expertise can become the foundation for a rewarding career in vocational education.
At Chisholm, many of our trainers began their careers on job sites, in workshops or running their own businesses. Here, four of our trades teachers share how they made the move from industry into TAFE teaching – and why it’s been a rewarding next step.
Bec Newman: Electrical
At 17, Bec began her apprenticeship with her family’s electrical business, and hasn’t looked back. At the time, there were no other women at trade school or on her worksites. She says she’s grateful her dad supported her decision to pursue a trade.
“As a female on a job site 20 years ago, there was an element of having to prove yourself. It wasn’t a great culture for females in trades at that time,” Bec says. “Only once other tradies recognised that I was there to do a job just like they were – and that I was very capable – that’s when I was accepted as just another tradesperson.”
After many years working as a qualified electrician, Bec saw an opportunity to move into TAFE teaching. As a mum of three, she was looking for greater job security and improved work-life balance – without losing her connection to the electrical industry.
She began teaching apprentices at Chisholm and has since progressed into a management role. Bec says her favourite part of the job is sharing her knowledge while staying connected to the trade.
“It’s so good to see females taking up trade apprenticeships. They are just as capable as anyone else to work in a trade.”Bec NewmanManager, Electrical
Adam Laxton: Building and Construction
After 25 years working as a qualified carpenter in the building industry, Adam was ready for a change. Tired of chasing builders and clients for payments, and with a young family, he was looking for better work-life balance.
A friend suggested he would make a great carpentry teacher. “I made a few calls and was lucky enough to get an opportunity at Chisholm,” Adam says.
Through this opportunity, Adam was supported to complete his training and assessment qualification, giving him the foundation to teach. He says that while he knew his trade, teaching was a new challenge.
“I needed to learn how to teach – how to use IT systems to support my teaching and understand that it takes effort. It doesn’t just happen; you have to learn new skills,” he explains. “Chisholm taught me to become a trade teacher. I got support throughout the Certificate IV and when I first started teaching apprentices in the workshops.”
Now working as the manager of building and construction courses at Chisholm, Adam says the most rewarding part of the job is seeing students learn and succeed.
“I love passing on new skills and ideas to future tradies. The best part is that lightbulb moment – when students achieve something they didn’t think they could.”Adam LaxtonManager, Building and Construction
Fabian Campbell: Electrical
After running his own electrical contracting business since 2010, Fabian was ready for something new. “I was at a point in my career where I was looking for a change and a new challenge,” he says.
That shift led him to teaching at Chisholm, where he completed the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and transitioned into the classroom. Coming from industry, Fabian says the qualification helped him develop skills he didn’t previously have.
“As a contractor you just get in, get the job done, and explain things on the fly. But the Cert IV taught me how to break things down properly, make the learning gradual, and support students who all learn differently. That’s felt like a big win.”
Now teaching pre-apprenticeship students, Fabian says the most rewarding part of the role is seeing students grow in confidence and engage with the trade. “I enjoy empowering students. I like seeing them engaging with the trade I continue to enjoy and building confidence as they progress.”
He also focuses on creating a supportive classroom environment where students can learn from each other. “I encourage them to be a team and support one another throughout the course. I consider this to be a skill in itself – and seeing them walk in with a smile makes my day.”
Having grown up in Dandenong, Fabian says it’s especially meaningful to now be teaching in the same community.
“The class I teach is so diverse, and I love the challenge of meeting those needs by building an engaging and positive environment.”Fabian CampbellTeacher, Electrical
David McNamara: Plumbing
David’s pathway into teaching began with his own experience as a student. In 2011, he commenced a pre-apprenticeship course in plumbing. As part of the course, he completed a work placement, leading to an apprenticeship, and then pursued a successful career in the plumbing industry.
By the end of 2023, David began considering a career change, and a conversation with a friend working in TAFE sparked his interest in education. That chat led him to reach out to Chisholm. “They advised that completing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment would qualify me to teach. But, with a young family, I found it challenging to commit to the course at that time.”
David stayed in contact with Chisholm, who later offered him a teaching position where he could earn his training qualifications on the job. This opportunity reinforced that Chisholm was the right place to support his transition into teaching. With the help of his trainers and colleagues, David began building the skills and confidence to step into the classroom.
“The opportunity to observe and shadow experienced educators within the plumbing department was incredibly valuable and instrumental in my development,” he says.
Now teaching, David says the experience has transformed his confidence and career direction.
“Being able to work closely with students, help them build those essential skills, and support them in becoming job‑ready is incredibly rewarding.”David McNamaraTeacher, Plumbing
Considering your own move into teaching? The first step is gaining a recognised training qualification, such as the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This course equips you with the skills to design learning, assess competency and confidently step into the classroom or workshop as a trainer and assessor.
Find out more about the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
