Trade-Entry Teacher Pathway helps Alec learn new life lessons

By Greg Chapman

After years of stagnating in a job as a tradesperson, Alec Bulley took the leap to become a high school teacher and he’s amazed at how many new lessons he’s learning every day.

The Townsville man is currently working as an Industrial Technology and Design teacher at Redlynch State College, after studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) as part of CQU’s Trade-Entry Teacher Pathway program.

It was a welcome change for Alec who spent more than 10 years as an electrical/refrigeration mechanic with the Army.

“The best thing about doing this is that I haven’t stopped learning,” he said.

“I got bored in my trade job, but as a teacher I face new challenges every day that keep my work life fresh.” 

Admittedly, Alec found the transition to teaching initially intimidating, but the recognition of his many years of professional trade experience was a significant morale booster.

“It was pretty daunting at first because you have no idea if the change in career is going to work for you, or if it is even suitable, but you know pretty quickly if it is or isn't for you.  

“Having my trade certificate helped with taking some of the load off study by only having to do one elective which was the ITD subject. 

“The subjects themselves gave me some insight into some of the lesson-planning and mostly curriculum work that goes into developing a piece of assessment for students.”

Alec said he enjoyed the work placements the most.

“You learn more from being in the classroom or workshop and seeing it all unfold in front of you.

“After my first placement, it became a real journey - I learned a lot about the considerations teachers have every day for their students.”

Alec said he was thoroughly enjoying his new teaching career and the positive aspects it had brought to his work and personal life. 

“In my first year of teaching I predominantly did woodworking but now I am doing mainly metal work. I still teach some woodwork in the form of senior furnishing,” he said. 

“My biggest change has been going into the digital design space where I'm learning more about 3D printers and CNC machines and using that with students."

CQU’s trade-entry pathway provides students with a dedicated study option to enter home economics and hospitality and ITD secondary teaching areas that recognises the student’s knowledge and experience through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

“For anyone considering the Trade-Entry Teacher Pathway program I would say It's worth the lifestyle change. Teaching been great for me as my wife and I have started our family and I haven’t felt like I've missed out on my son growing up.” 

For more information, please visit Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - CQUniversity.