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Free TAFE helps the student become the teacher

Chris returned to study as a mature-aged student and is now an IT teacher, thanks to Free TAFE.

Chris, wearing a Chisholm jumper stands outdoors at campus, reflecting his journey with Free TAFE which helped him become an IT teacher.

Chris teaches at Chisholm Institute and he has more in common with his students than they might realise. He was also a student at Chisholm not so long ago!

After working in the IT industry, Chris decided it was time to expand his career. He studied a Certificate IV in Cyber Security to gain a formal qualification and boost the on-the-job training he received while working overseas.

He went on to complete a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – a prerequisite for becoming a TAFE teacher. This course taught him how students learn and how to prepare teaching materials.

Both courses were free of tuition fees thanks to Victoria’s Free TAFE program.

Chris loved his experience as a mature-aged student. ‘I really enjoyed learning new skills and interacting with the trainers and other students,’ he says.

Not long after completing his studies, Chris landed a job as a sessional IT teacher in Chisholm’s Business and Information Technology faculty.

‘I had some amazing teachers who I now have the privilege to work alongside as colleagues,’ he says.

Chris enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with students eager to learn about information technology.

‘I like to combine formal teaching methods with anecdotes from my career working in various IT roles,’ he says.

Chris also finds his new teaching career rewarding. ‘I love seeing students have those “a-ha!” learning moments, when the penny drops and suddenly, it all makes sense,’ he says.

With the recent announcement of a new Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence at Chisholm Institute, it is an exciting time for artificial intelligence, cyber security and other emerging digital fields.

The centre will train students in cutting-edge TAFE simulation labs, while partnering with tech companies to deliver practical on-the-job training.

‘I’m thrilled that this national Centre of Excellence will be hosted at Chisholm’s Frankston campus and look forward to teaching in its state-of-the-art facilities.

‘Helping Australians upskill for the digital workforce is both exciting and challenging. But with the investment in the Centre of Excellence, we should be able to meet the challenge,’ he says.

Chris’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in IT and cyber security? ‘Go for it! There are lots of good career opportunities in this field. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the silly-sounding ones. A good teacher will recognise your desire to know more and help you.’

Find out how Free TAFE can make your dream job real: www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe

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Free TAFE makes it real

Find out how Free TAFE can make your career goals a reality.

Education & training

Updated 30 March 2026

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