In the lead up to World Teachers’ Day coming up on 27 October, we’re shining a light on some of our amazing teachers at TAFE Gippsland. Next in line for some love is building and construction trainer Luke Copland…
“He goes above and beyond for us, makes the class fun and goes through anything and everything if we need further information!” Laura Maher – Certificate IV in Building and Construction student.
There was absolutely no plausible way that Luke Copland was not going to work in the building and construction industry.
“I wanted to know how to build a house,” he stated.
“I started out as a cabinet maker and decided that I need to know how to build the complete house, so I got into carpentry and started building the whole house!”
After becoming formally qualified through recognition of prior learning and attaining his builder’s licence, Luke kicked off his career undertaking a mix of small residential renovations and supervising commercial projects for larger companies.
When the business side of the industry became a source of stress for Luke, he decided to embark on a journey to help others build their careers in the construction industry, through teaching.
“I always remember saying ‘I should be a TAFE teacher, so I eventually decided to do my TAE [Certificate IV in Training and Assessment]”, Luke recalled.
“I had always had apprentices under me or employed by me, and I enjoyed teaching them. So, I bit the bullet, did the training and got a job with TAFE Gippsland.
“I love all of it. I just really love teaching. I love having the time to explain the process to the student and seeing them come to an understanding of how it works.”
Having notched up five years at TAFE Gippsland, Luke is thoroughly enjoying his new ‘niche’. So much so, he’s been deploying his skills outside of the TAFE classroom, in front of a much younger cohort.
“I also lead a team and teach Sunday School kids at Enjoy Church Morwell known as ‘Kidmania’,” Luke said.
“It’s given me great confidence and skills for leading and teaching people. I figure if I can communicate with primary school-aged kids, I can communicate with anyone!”
We’ll be sharing the love for all our teachers on World Teachers’ Day next Friday, so stay tuned!