Jason, VET (Vocational Education and Training) teacher:
On my first day as a teacher, I was quite nervous.
We got into the classroom, gave a quick demonstration, and expected the students to go off and do it for themselves.
They all looked at me like I was from another planet.
My name is Jason. I teach Cert. 2 electrotechnology and Year 10 technology, which is your woodwork, plastics, metal, and electronics.
I worked as an electrician for over 15 years.
I had the responsibility of training and taking care of apprentices, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I got called up by the school to do some electrical work as an electrical contractor.
Just being within the environment at the school drove my passion to become a teacher.
While I was working as a trainer at Harvester, I was provided an opportunity to complete a Master's and my applied learning and teaching.
I always had a passion to teach. I would have thought it would come later in life, although the opportunities came along sooner, and that's what's got me in the workshop now.
All my students love real-life examples, so whenever I can talk about my experience as an apprentice, they're asking questions and always getting more engaged.
The Certificate 2 in electrotechnology provides students with a pathway into clean energy, such as hydro, solar, and wind generation.
It gives them the skills and knowledge needed to go into the electro technology trade with some confidence.
I really enjoy student graduation because it's where I get to see the students achieve their end goal.
Two of my students were accepted into a highly competitive program. Made me extremely proud, and is part of the reason why I'm teaching.
You just get the joy of being able to pass that information, skills, and knowledge onto our future electricians.
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