Forging the future

By Greg Chapman

More than 20 years ago, Chris Weeks was an apprentice at CQUniversity Mackay learning the trade of metal fabrication – now he’s back as a teacher, determined to combat the industry’s skills shortages.

“I became a teacher because I felt there was a real need to address current skills shortages in our industry,” he said.

“Being a teacher gives me a great sense of satisfaction in helping people and passing on my knowledge and skills to the next generation of tradespeople, to ensure our industry stays strong for many years to come.”

Chris started his metal fabrication training at CQU as an MRAEL apprentice in 2004, with his dedication earning him the title of MRAEL Apprentice of the Year when he completed his trade four years later.

Since then, Chris has gathered many years of professional experience, working across a vast range of different job sites all around Queensland, from small engineering workshops and mines in Mackay, to power stations in Kingaroy.

Before commencing as a teacher with CQU in 2020, Chris worked for Hastings Deering.

“After decades of heavy lifting, twisting and bending taking a toll, I turned to teaching,” he said.

“Teaching allows me to stay in the industry I love without the physical demand on my body.

“There is a unique reward in seeing a student go from struggling with a tool or concept, to mastering a complex technical skill. Being able to mentor students and make a positive impact on their lives is what it’s all about.”

Chris’ most recent achievement as a CQU trade teacher was completing his Graduate Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Education while juggling his job and family commitments, but he said teaching was a reward that keeps on giving.

“It’s really hard to just pick one positive teaching moment, but overall, it would be seeing the fourth-year apprentices finish their last block of training and seeing the pride, gratification and happiness on their faces,” he said.

“Having students come and shake your hand and say, ‘thank you for helping me throughout my apprenticeship’ is what keeps the fire burning inside.”

Chris added that working with an equally dedicated team of colleagues was also rewarding.

“The metal fabrication team collaborate closely with one another to share expertise and industry knowledge to give our students the tools and support they need to be able to excel in our trade,” he said.

“Each teacher comes with a unique set of skills and experience which allows the team to feed from one another to achieve the best outcomes, whether that be designing a new practical task, to implementing new course material to keep up with current industry trends.”

Chris said that teaching was something he never would have seen himself doing.

"But it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made,” he said. 

Enquire about how you can become a trade teacher at CQU TAFE. 

You don’t need to have a teaching qualification to apply to become a TAFE Teacher. CQU recognises talent and will help you gain your TAE40122 - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through a fully supported pathway.