From Military Mechanic to Shaping Futures: Meet TAFE Teacher Jake Baird

Monday, 21 October 2024

Jake Baird’s journey to becoming a TAFE teacher is far from traditional, but his unique career path has made him the educator he is today. With roots in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), where he trained as a mechanic, Jake learned not just technical skills but also the discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities essential for high-pressure environments. These are the same values that now guide his teaching approach at Wodonga TAFE.

After leaving the ADF, Jake continued working in his trade, but felt like something was missing. “I wanted to give back and make a difference,” Jake reflects. “Moving into vocational education seemed like the perfect way to pass on the skills and values I’d learned in the ADF to the next generation.”

Jake’s teaching career began at the same location where his own journey as an apprentice started a decade earlier—at the Vehicle Technology Wing of ASEME – The Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Returning to teach where he first trained was a humbling full-circle moment. "It was incredibly rewarding to literally shape the next generation in the same place that shaped me," he says. From there, he completed an Associate Degree in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and began teaching the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, also known as TAE (TAE40122).

For Jake, teaching is more than just passing on technical knowledge. “What I love most about teaching is the chance to shape the future of the industry,” he explains. “The best part of my job is watching students grow from having little or no experience to becoming skilled and confident. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m helping to build their careers and futures.”

Jake is not just an educator but also a mentor who invests deeply in his students’ personal and professional growth. He enjoys sharing their journey, seeing their development firsthand, and being there for both their highs and lows. “Some of what we teach can be difficult to grasp, and it can be a long road for some students. But seeing how much they grow over time is what makes it all worth it,” he shares.

His personal philosophy reflects his ADF background and passion for vocational education. Jake believes in discipline, teamwork, and continuous learning. “Confidence and competence come from applying skills in real-world situations,” he says. His goal is not just to educate but also to contribute to students’ broader development as professionals and individuals.

For anyone considering a career in vocational education, Jake’s advice is simple: “Do it. Don’t wait, just do it. If you think you have the personal traits to be a VET teacher, enrol in the Cert IV in Training and Assessment. There are so many opportunities in VET, and you might even end up teaching something outside your trade.”

He understands the worries that come with returning to study after a long break. “My suggestions Is to break it down into chunks, take it one session at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—whether it’s for digital skills, literacy, numeracy, or study support,” Jake advises.

Jake encourages prospective students to consider Wodonga TAFE not only for its up-to-date, industry-informed curriculum but also for its unique practical opportunities and supportive, inclusive environment. “What you learn here is always in demand, and we offer excellent opportunities for hands-on experience through industry partnerships. It gives our students a real edge in the workforce,” Jake says with pride

Considering study in 2025? The Wodonga TAFE course guide is now online!