Fee-Free TAFE helps Jett craft his career

"While working behind the bar, I got into the craft beer scene, and I was surprised how complex brewing is," explained Jett.

"From recipe design, using the different equipment and understanding the complexity of what goes into a beverage was eye-opening. The science, chemistry, and biology behind beer attracted me to brewing."

With his job giving him insight into the industry's career opportunities, Jett's passion for brewing and the craft beer scene grew. When he decided to become an assistant brewer, a workmate introduced him to Fee-Free TAFE.

"I looked into Fee-Free TAFE, and sure enough, the Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121) was free to study. When I saw that, I immediately applied, and here I am," said Jett.

Fee-Free TAFE funding is part of the Queensland Government's Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032. It aims to connect, educate and attract the people needed to meet the state's workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors to support continued economic growth.

With approximately 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places available in 2023, the program will support Queenslanders to skill up to meet the state's current and future workforce needs by enabling them to complete selected qualifications at no or low cost.

"The Fee-Free TAFE funding made my decision to study easier. It means I can get qualified quickly without any debt, making studying what I'm passionate about easier and more accessible. I simply wouldn't be studying for the career of my dreams without Fee-Free TAFE," explained Jett.

Jett is relishing his studies with TAFE Queensland and is blown away by the support he gets from his teacher and classmates at the Mt Gravatt campus that's improving his brewing skills and confidence that he's taking back to his workplace.

"My teacher is amazing – he's experienced, knowledgeable and helpful, and teaching us much. His industry experience is fantastic and includes working with some of Australia's largest breweries, and he's always happy to answer questions to help us learn and understand."

Jett also enjoys the classroom learning environment because of the small class size and the brewing equipment, which is industry standard.

"I love coming to class and having access to a very supportive teacher, classmates who are as passionate as I am, using facilities and equipment helping me learn."

"We're brewing in industry-standard vats and, using an alcolyzer to test alcohol content, have machines to measure alcohol density."

"The course is setting me up for success – it's very practical and hands-on, and my skills are improving so much that I can get more done at work each day," he says.

Combining his passion for brewing with real-world skills, Jett's focus is now on finishing his certificate, working as an assistant brewer, learning as much as possible and one day opening his own brewery.

"Eventually, I'd like to open my own brewing company in a niche market. Brewing feels good, and it's something I enjoy."

"I want to work in this industry because I love making beer, and through this course, I'm learning the skills and brewing principles I need to understand to brew quality beer."

Jett says anyone considering studying should contact TAFE Queensland and discuss their options.

"This course is intense and practical learning, and I'm quickly gaining the skills and confidence to become an assistant brewer," concluded Jett.