Bundaberg teacher Ryan Hunter has been recognised for his dedication to educating the next generation of mechanics by earning a place in the Queensland Training Awards North Coast Regional final.
The TAFE Queensland teacher made it through the nomination and interview process to be shortlisted as a finalist and will now face off against the best of the best in the region for the title of North Coast VET teacher/Trainer of the Year on Friday, with the winner to then progress to the state final.
Mr Hunter said he was grateful to have made it so far and was looking forward to a night celebrating the best in training in the region.
“It was an honour just to be nominated in the first place, so to get this far has been incredible,” he said.
“To know that all the effort you’re putting in has been recognised by your students and your peers – it feels amazing.
“Winning would be the cherry on the cake.
“It would mean a lot to not just me, but my team as a whole.
“I’m not a lone ranger – yes, it’s just me in the classroom with my students, but the processes, structures and support that [have helped] put me in this position are a team effort, so I think my nomination really reflects them too.”
As an automotive teacher at TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus, Mr Hunter caught the attention of judges for his work with local TAFE at School students, with the dedicated teacher going out of his way to keep at-risk teenagers engaged in learning.
From gamifying lessons and switching up his delivery methods to maintain attention, to working with students, parents and schools to support disengaged students and help them find a direction or solution that suits them, Mr Hunter has gone above and beyond to ensure no student gets left behind.
His approach is resonating with local students, with Mr Hunter’s cohort growing a mammoth 525% in the three years since he took over delivery of the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation.
Inspired by own experience
Mr Hunter said his teaching was heavily inspired by his own experience in school and that he wanted to ensure the region’s young people felt safe and supported to learn in a way that works for them.
“When I was a 15 or 16-year-old, I wasn’t sure where I [fitted] in,” he said.
“I wasn’t an academic learner – I learned by doing – and my classes weren’t set up to cater for that.
“If you’re a hands-on learner, you can struggle to find joy in a typical classroom or think you’re failing, so as a teacher I’ve always wanted to ensure that my students, no matter what their learning style is, have the opportunity to thrive and realise how smart and capable they really are.
“It inspires me to see them turn into the students they’ve always had the ability to be.
“When I go and see one of my past students in the workplace now as an apprentice and they’re happy and putting their best foot forward in the industry – knowing the team and I have helped them get there, is definitely the most rewarding part of what I do.”
TAFE Queensland General Manager for East Coast region Mark Reilly said the organisation was immensely proud of Mr Hunter’s achievement and wished him all the best at the regional final.
“All our teachers play an important role in building careers for Queenslanders and developing skilled work forces right across the state,” Mr Reilly said.
“The level of commitment and passion Mr Hunter has for ensuring not only do his students receive the best learning experience and outcomes possible but for advancing the local automotive industry, is nothing short of awe-inspiring and his contribution to industry and vocational education will be felt for years to come.
“We congratulate Ryan for his efforts – no matter the outcome, in our eyes and in the eyes of his students, he’s already a winner.”
To find out how you can turn your passion for cars into a career in automotive, visit tafeqld.edu.au and let TAFE Queensland help you define your greatness.
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