Lachlan's future comes into focus with TAFE at School

"Ever since I was young, I've loved taking out my camera and getting footage of what's going on around me or making YouTube videos of scooter riding or gaming," explains Lachlan. 

"Knowing I loved storytelling and creating videos, I jumped at the chance to enrol in TAFE at Schools and spend one day of school a week turning my passion into my profession."

TAFE at School courses allows students to study for a qualification at TAFE while in high school, enabling them to join the workforce sooner, build practical skills, and graduate job-ready giving them a head start in the job market or enrol in further study.

Through the program, Lachlan visited TAFE's Mt Gravatt campus one day each week to complete the Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020) while still at school, under the guidance of teachers from the industry.

During his course, he learnt the foundation skills needed to work in a number of assistant roles in radio, film, sound, media, and web design.

"The facilities and teachers at the Mount Gravatt campus were amazing, and it's a fantastic place to learn," explains Lachlan.

"The best thing was the teachers, and I was fortunate enough to have Alison Green as my teacher, who taught me so much about the industry, how to conduct myself as a videographer and a content creator."

Alison made a strong impression on Lachlan in one of his first lessons when she told the class, "you need to have the guts to just get into the industry, don't be a wuss".

Alison's quote inspired Lachlan to take his skills out into the world with a resilient mindset and offer to work with potential clients because the worst they can say is no.

"Even after I finished my studies, I've remained in contact with her, and she's been helping to start my own business," he said.

After finishing his certificate, Lachlan decided to defer studying at university for the year to launch his own media company, Outcast Media, focusing on social media management and videography for corporate and small companies.

"With the skills I learnt and the guidance of my teachers, I can help small businesses to grow their online presence and reach more customers."

"TAFE Queensland prepared me so well to start my business, as I was trained using industry-standard equipment and facilities to deliver high-quality productions that gave me the confidence to go out into the world and try it," he explains.

During his course, Lachlan was given a theoretical base knowledge that he could apply in a practical hands-on way that suited his learning style perfectly. Helping him develop his skills further was his learning environment, which saw him studying alongside like-minded classmates.

"I loved making lifelong friends that could one day turn into colleagues or collaborators to work alongside in the industry."

Having enrolled with TAFE at Schools to perfect his screen and media skills, Lachlan has left with confidence, inspiration and determination to start a business telling stories globally.

"Studying with TAFE Queensland has given me so much confidence in my skills to start and grow my screen and media business."

"My business will one day employ people all over Australia, making largescale productions while still focusing on growing small, media and large businesses through storytelling."

"I recommend TAFE in Schools to anyone interested in learning new things and exploring how they can take their passion to the marketplace. TAFE Queensland allows you to learn in a comfortable environment and sets you up with skills for life."