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Victorian Training Awards 2023 Teacher or Trainer of the Year winner

2023 Victorian Training Awards Teacher or Trainer of the Year winner Thomas Patterson in teaching workshop with trade students holding a power drill, wearing safety goggles and hearing protection

Thomas Patterson

After 15 years working in the construction industry as a carpenter and licensed builder, Thomas transitioned into vocational education and training (VET) teaching to share his knowledge and skills with students.

Teaching at the Outer Northern Trade Training Centre, Thomas delivers both the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-Apprenticeships
(Carpentry) and the Certificate I in Construction Pathways.

To prepare students more thoroughly for the workforce, Thomas implements real-world tasks, replacing small-scale models with house-sized wall frames, roof structures and sub-floors to enhance the student learning experience. Thomas also collaborates with plumbing and electrical trade work colleagues to assist them to apply the same approach in the classroom, resulting in rapid improvement in student output across the centre.

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