Educator celebrates three decades in the job

A CARPENTRY teacher at Bendigo TAFE is has celebrated thirty years of working at the institution. 

Les Worme decided to trade his work as a carpenter for teaching in 1993 when his children were young. 

He said he is passionate about helping his students succeed. 

“You need to be able to relate with your students, you need to build rapport with them,” said Mr Worme. 

“You need to be enthusiastic about what you do and try and convey as much information as you can to them, in a manner that they enjoy it, and you enjoy it. That’s a good learning environment.” 

Mr Worme said seeing his students succeed has been a rewarding experience. 

“I suggested this young man for the job because he had all the qualities that you would admire in someone,” he said. 

“He would turn up on time [and] just stay focused on his work.  

“He got an apprenticeship, got his job and when he came back to TAFE, he was just beside himself with excitement. 

“Anyway, wind the clock forward 20 years later, he’s got a young family, and he runs a successful small business. I still see him on the job to this day with his apprentices.” 

Having taught many people who still live and work in the community, Mr Worme said he enjoys bumping into them around town and finding out how they are doing. 

“Overall, the young men and women that want to work in the industry will show the commitment and they’ll have a go,” he said. 

“And years down the track, I see them. I could be down the street getting a coffee and someone will walk in, and they’ll say, ‘Hello Les’.” 

Chief executive officer at Bendigo TAFE Sally Curtain said Mr Worme is one of many staff members celebrating their achievements this year. 

“Behind every successful student is an amazing teacher,” she said. “Our teachers play a key role, not just in equipping our students with in-demand skills, but also in providing a supportive and enjoyable learning experience.”