From expert butcher to dedicated teacher, Darren Scott’s commitment to the skills development of Australia’s future butchery specialists has been recognised as part of the National Training Awards. Darren was a finalist for the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award, which recognises innovation and excellence by a teacher or trainer working in the VET sector. Darren is passionate about the wellbeing and learning experience of his students, supporting not only their individual careers, but the future of the meat processing sector as a whole. With more than 30 years’ experience as a butchery specialist and more than 10 years’ teaching, he’s now head teacher of cookery at TasTAFE.
Being nominated for an Australian Training Award is a great opportunity for individuals to gain recognition for their contribution to the VET sector. However, the nomination is far from the only highlight of Darren’s career. Since he was a young boy Darren wanted to be the best butcher he could be and to support others wanting to pursue this profession throughout his career. He has worked with over 100 Certificate II students, from a range of backgrounds and with different literacy levels, some of whom now manage and run their own shops. One of Darren’s students even went on to become a WorldSkills national Butchery gold medallist. Another career highlight has been working on a national project with MINTRAC, to support future learners and give industry access to skills standards that met their needs.
Darren says there have been challenges in turning a career as a butcher into a career in the VET sector but would encourage others who are interested in a training career to pursue it.
“To have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest, highly skilled, future meat industry personnel is an honour. If the opportunity presents itself for you to step out of industry and into the training sector (even for a sessional class or half day sessions here or there) grab it with both hands.”
“Fourteen years ago, when I was contemplating leaving my managerial position for a teaching position it was with some trepidation – now I would not change a thing, other than getting into this sector earlier!”
Darren grew up in a butcher’s shop, spending all his free time in his Dad’s shop. But unfortunately, Darren’s Father injured his back in an accident at work, Darren’s father struggled to find support from his peers and employer. This inspired Darren to build his own career around supporting and mentoring others who need it. This outlook has been reinforced by Darren’s positive experience with his own mentors, and this comes through in his approach to teaching.
“Over the years I have had to deal with some students whom, for whatever reasons, were feeling down and displayed very low self-esteem. As a result, they were extremely disengaged with their learning.
I take pride in the fact that I have never let a student down, and that my word is true – and I would do what was required to get them completed at the level required. If this meant extra time teaching, extra demonstrations, different teaching styles or just a friendly shoulder for a chat or a tear – I was and will continue to be there for them.”
Our VET system is dependent on the dedication of teachers like Darren. As much as industry working with Skills Impact and others, can work to define the skills for a job role, it’s teachers who bring the work to life for students and make sure they are learning the right skills to the appropriate standard.
A career in training has allowed Darren to reach his childhood goal of helping others within his industry. Even with all this under his belt, Darren looks forward to what the future holds.
“Having been within meat the industry since 1983 – the emerging trends for value added products, processed products and techniques are really exciting. For now, staying abreast of current trends, providing exceptional training and assessment and a Friday night beer reflecting on another busy week will do me fine.”