Kirsty putting the spark into the electrical trade at CQU

By Greg Chapman

For Kirsty O’Regan, igniting the spark in young women to follow their dreams as tradespeople makes her proud to be an electrical teacher at CQUniversity.

Kirsty is Educational Team Leader for Electrical and Refrigeration at CQU’s Rockhampton campus, a role she’s relished for 18 years.

After completing her trade Kirsty worked in heavy industry, specifically in the mining sector, and while she enjoyed the work, she found being away from her family challenging.

“I looked to become a teacher because I wanted to find a way to be closer to my family while still actively engaging in my trade, which I love and do not want to give up,” she said.

“I also wanted to teach future generations of students, sharing the knowledge I have gained. Additionally, I hope to encourage and support other women, as I know from my own experience working in a male-dominated industry that this can sometimes be challenging, and I felt my own personal experiences would have made me a little bit more approachable.”

Kirsty said while there were many rewards to being a trade teacher, seeing an apprentice or student succeed made it all worthwhile.

“What I find most rewarding about teaching students is witnessing their growth in self-esteem and their ability to build a future for themselves,” she said.

“It’s truly amazing to see their transformation from first-year students to fourth-year students after completing their capstone projects. I feel a deep sense of pride, as if they are part of my family.

Yet teaching goes beyond simply passing on skills and knowledge – there’s also a great deal of support and care.

“One of the most memorable times I had teaching was when I worked with a student who was dealing with family issues that made it hard for them to focus at TAFE,” she said.

“We managed to set up some support so they could take the time they needed to sort things out at home. When they came back, they really started to succeed in their training. Sometimes, when life gets tough, it can feel like a never-ending cycle. It’s really important to just pause, take a breath, and reset.”

Kirsty’s dedication to teaching and her leadership earned her a Queensland Training Award nomination in the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year category in 2020 and continues to inspire her colleagues.

“When I first started in 2008, I was employed as an electrical teacher. During the first couple of years, I focused on refreshing the skills and knowledge I had gained as an apprentice, enabling me to deliver material of a high standard. Once I had gained this experience, I began looking for new opportunities,” she said. 

“I undertook courses in unit design and online delivery, and I was determined to transition our assessment materials onto a learning management system. My goal was to establish a more consistent approach for our students, as I felt we were lacking in this area. Unfortunately, there wasn't anyone with the background to push for this change. 

“Recognising the need for leadership and management training and high-level teaching qualifications, I decided to pursue such development. I then applied for a management role because I have always believed that if you want to complain about something, you should also be willing to take action to improve it. I am willing to address it, but I understand it's not just about me; it requires a team approach. 

“For me, balancing teaching and leadership is less about finding a balance and more about understanding that both roles require a thoughtful approach. When I work with students, I strive to lead by example and equip them with new skills and knowledge. I aim to do the same for my teachers, guiding them effectively and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles.

She said she was proud to be part of a teaching team that works together and support each other. 

“When individuals succeed, the entire team thrives, enabling us to deliver the best service to all students, which is our main goal,” she said.

“Becoming an Education Team Leader is achievable. It involves setting tasks and goals and meeting specific milestones. Undertaking a high-level teaching qualification really lays the groundwork for success, ensuring a thorough understanding of the legislative requirements for vocational training. I encourage teaching staff to work with an ETL as a step up to see what's involved. From there, you can build on your existing skills, discover what interests you, and determine the qualifications needed for that role.”

She encouraged anyone interested in trade teaching to go for it.

 “You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and you’ll be helping the next generation of tradies gain the skills they need to thrive. As a woman in the field, I can say it’s pretty family-friendly too, making it easier to juggle work and home life. Plus, it’s a great way to build a strong sense of community. So, if you’re even a little curious, give it a try, you might just love it,” she said.

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.