Dallas takes pride in shaping boilermakers of the future

By Greg Chapman

Dallas Hoffman never considered he’d be a trade teacher but shaking hands with the region’s future boilermakers at CQUniversity has shown he made the right choice. 

The 49-year-old joined CQU Rockhampton as a Metal Fabrication teacher in March this year and brings with him more than 25 years of professional experience.

“Becoming a trade teacher wasn’t something I originally planned. However, over the years my roles as a leading hand and supervisor in my boilermaking career naturally helped shape and prepare me for teaching,” he said.

“When the opportunity arose to become a trade teacher though, I jumped at it. Teaching allows me to stay connected to the trade while also giving me the chance to pass on my skills, knowledge, and real‑world experience to the next generation of tradespeople.”

Dallas is a dual-qualified tradesman, having completed his first trade in sheet metal in 2000 in Gladstone. During that time, he worked in a small workshop, fabricating a wide variety of light fabrication projects.

He went on to gain experience in the construction and resources sectors, working for major firms such as John Holland Construction and Bechtel on several alumina refinery projects, including with Queensland Alumina Limited and Yarwun 2 and LPG gas plants in the Gladstone region.

Dallas said he completed his second trade–a boilermaking apprenticeship–in 2024. 

“While I had been working in heavy fabrication for many years prior, from 2016 onwards I worked more consistently in a local Rockhampton workshop specialising in structural steel, aluminium, and stainless‑steel fabrication across a wide range of projects,” he said.

He said since becoming a teacher, he’s found a strong sense of pride in sharing his many years of experience with the apprentices.

“The most rewarding aspect of teaching is receiving positive feedback from students and seeing them grow in confidence and capability as they develop their skills,” he said.

“One of the most positive moments is when former or current students approach me, whether in the workplace or out in public, to shake my hand. It’s a clear sign of mutual respect and makes the role very rewarding.”

The support he’s received from his fellow teachers at CQU has helped him as well.

“The teaching team has been fantastic. The mentoring, support, and shared experience from colleagues have made transitioning into teaching much less challenging,” he said.

“In the short time I’ve been part of the CQU family, I’ve learned an incredible amount from both fellow teachers and the administration team, and I’ve felt well supported from day one.

“I’d encourage any tradies considering teaching to come on board at CQU. We need more experienced tradespeople to help shape and mentor the next generation of skilled workers in our industry.”

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.

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