Like most trades, the engineering industry is evolving and the skills required to succeed need to evolve with it.
That’s why teachers like Zac Wallace are so important at TAFE Gippsland. Educators who know the region, understand industry needs, and know their trade inside and out.
A former TAFE Gippsland apprentice himself, Zac has more than a decade of hands-on experience as a qualified tradesperson. His career spans maritime fabrication, light and heavy manufacturing, maintenance fitting, primary production, and pressure vessel welding and fabrication — giving him a broad, real-world perspective that he now brings into the classroom.
This year, Zac is coming full circle as he steps into his teaching role, sharing his skills and industry knowledge with students enrolled in the Certificate IV in Engineering (Pathway) — including those joining the upcoming night class intake.
“I really enjoy helping people build skills that can open new doors in their careers — whether that’s a welding ticket to work interstate or offshore, an introduction to welding course to help land a first job, or a nationally recognised apprenticeship that sets someone up for the long term,” Zac said.
“I’m also looking forward to students coming back to complete more courses, it’s awesome to see people grow and do well in life.”
Learning that builds confidence and capability
Zac knows first-hand the impact the Certificate IV in Engineering can have. He credits the qualification with significantly boosting his own confidence and practical knowledge when he was a student.
“It combines practical skills, industry-relevant training and hands-on experience to build confidence, job-ready capability and open pathways into engineering careers,” he said.
While many students are drawn to the practical elements of the course, Zac emphasises that the supporting skills are just as critical.
“Not every class can be hands-on or spent making projects. The course also includes important areas like personal and environmental safety, working effectively with others, and some maths,” he said.
“These units might not sound as exciting at first, but they’re essential skills for anyone who wants to succeed in the engineering industry.”
Designed for working adults
With the first night class intake starting on 24 February at Yallourn campus, the Certificate IV in Engineering (Pathway) is well suited to apprentices, tradespeople and career changers who are balancing work, family and other commitments.
Zac understands those pressures and wants prospective students to know they’ll be supported.
“For night-school students who are already juggling full-time work or family commitments, it can make for some long days, and finding the right balance can be challenging at the start,” he said.
“But you won’t be doing it alone. Our staff are here to support you every step of the way, because we genuinely want to see you do well.”
With industry-experienced teachers like Zac, flexible study options and training aligned to real workforce needs, the Certificate IV in Engineering (Pathway) offers a practical next step for those looking to upskill, gain confidence and open new opportunities in the engineering sector.