Brandon McDonald has been a carpentry teacher at TAFE Gippsland for eight months, but his connection to the institute runs much deeper.
A Gippslander through and through, Brandon completed his Certificate II and III in Carpentry apprenticeship at our Yallourn campus almost 15 years ago, training in the very same workshop he now teaches in.
With broad construction experience, three years running his own business, and extensive time mentoring apprentices on job sites, Brandon understands exactly what it takes to succeed in the building industry and he’s passionate about passing that knowledge on to the next generation of chippies.
“My approach focuses on preparing apprentices for real onsite expectations by reinforcing professionalism, commitment and safe work practices,” Brandon said.
“I want to give students every opportunity to succeed in their apprenticeships. That’s why I work closely with them to build their confidence, skills and technical knowledge to an industry-ready standard, helping them grasp even the more challenging concepts.”
Brandon’s experience
- 14 years’ experience as a carpenter in the construction industry
- 3 years of operating his own carpentry business
- 5 years with a reputable concreting and construction business
- Teacher at TAFE Gippsland since 2025
- Extensive experience mentoring apprentices on job sites
What Brandon’s students can expect
Students can expect a supportive learning environment with high expectations — one grounded in strong work ethic, hands-on experience and a genuine passion for helping future tradespeople reach their full potential.
For Brandon, teaching isn’t just about skills — it’s about connection, confidence and creating capable tradespeople who are ready to step straight onto site.