For trainer Rhys Duncan, the electrical industry has always been filled with opportunity, especially the chance to problem-solve, think practically and keep learning on the job.
A qualified and licensed electrician, Rhys built his career working throughout Cairns and across rural and remote locations in Far North Queensland, gaining the resilience, technical knowledge and hands-on experience that now shape the way he supports the next generation of electrical workers.
After years working on the tools, Rhys built the kind of practical knowledge, resilience and industry understanding that only comes from real hands-on experience.
When his wife qualified as a nurse, it created a natural turning point for their family and gave Rhys the opportunity to think about what the next chapter of his career could look like.
Rather than stepping away from the industry he loved, Rhys chose to stay connected to it in a new way by sharing his experience, supporting future tradespeople and giving back to the industry that had helped shape him.
The decision was also encouraged by those who had worked closely with him.
A couple of his former apprentices told him plainly that he had been the best teacher they had worked under and that he should put that ability to good use.
What followed was a transition into electrotechnology training at Major Training, where Rhys now delivers UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology and UEE22025 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start).
“I love training my classes and having such varying age groups.
“I encourage my students to lean on one another so when their training is complete, they have strong industry bonds and can use each other’s expertise when needed as they progress in their future careers,” Rhys said.
In the first eighteen months of his training career, Rhys experienced a defining moment that confirmed he was exactly where he was meant to be.
“While I was delivering the Cert II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), I had a school-aged student who, unknown to me at the time, was going through a really difficult time outside of the classroom.
“I had been watching him grow and excel as a student over the course of a few months, so I emailed the school to pass on the positive news.
“My email was shared with the student’s family and, after reading it, they decided the student was making positive life choices and should be allowed to move back in with the family.
“The next week that student came into my class and thanked me for helping him and making his life better. I was invited to his graduation a year later,” he said.
For Rhys, training goes well beyond teaching the technical requirements of electrotechnology. His classroom is also a place where students learn respect, teamwork, confidence and the importance of supporting one another.
“Aside from a strong understanding of the electrical industry, in my classroom I also teach acceptance and cooperation with one another regardless of age, gender, race, religion or political belief,” Rhys said.
Creating a culture where students feel comfortable speaking up and asking for help is something Rhys takes seriously.
“Living in a society that is becoming more and more polarising, it’s easy to see students coming into class carrying the burdens of the world.
“I teach students to speak out when times get tough. It is so important that people in our industry know they are not alone and that there is support around them,” he said.
Having spent time studying electrical engineering at university before realising it was not the right pathway for him, Rhys understands the importance of exploring an industry before fully committing to a career direction.
That experience is one of the reasons he is such a strong advocate for students having the opportunity to try electrotechnology while they are still at school.
“I’m a big advocate for students interested in the electrotechnology field to undertake a UEE22025 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) and get as much work experience as they can,” Rhys said.
The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) is available to Queensland secondary school students through the VET in Schools program, giving students the opportunity to explore the industry and earn a nationally recognised qualification before they have even finished Year 12.
Rhys is equally passionate about the broader opportunity the industry represents for anyone willing to enter it.
“The electrotechnology industry is enormous and ever expanding, with new technologies such as renewables, EVs and data centres creating exciting new sectors and opportunities for workers.
“In a time where AI is changing the world of work, the electrotechnology industry continues to offer strong, practical and future-focused career opportunities for people who want to build real skills and be part of an industry that is constantly evolving,” Rhys said.
As the electrotechnology industry continues to grow and evolve, dedicated trainers like Rhys play an important role in preparing the next generation of electricians.
For employers, that impact reaches well beyond the classroom.
When students and apprentices are supported, encouraged and taught by trainers who genuinely care about their future, they enter the workforce with greater confidence, stronger communication skills and a better understanding of what it means to be part of a team.
Support, respect and belief in people can be contagious and when students experience that early in their career, they are more likely to carry it with them into the workplace, onto job sites and throughout the industry.
Through his passion for the trade, care for his students and belief in the opportunities electrotechnology can provide, Rhys is helping shape not only capable future electricians, but stronger, more connected workplaces for the industry.
