Trades Teacher: Stuart Dows

Stuart Dows teaches Boilermaking and Metal fabrication at Brisbane's Gateway TAFE.

Apart from teaching the skills required for these trades, Stuart's role involves motivating students to continue their apprenticeships in the face of adversity or low wages so they can one day benefit from the many opportunities available.

Stuart's skills in teaching is drawn from his own experiences and he explains how in Europe tradespeople tend to do only one trade and be specialists in a particular skill, whereas in Australia tradespeople have the benefit of understanding many facets of a trade and taking part in any aspect once they are qualified.

He says this makes Australians stand out in the world and finishing the qualification is vital.