Caleb’s Tec-NQ House journey took an exciting turn this year through his placement at Dan’s Automotive in Currajong. Quiet by nature, he arrived eager to learn but still building confidence. That quickly changed.
“When Caleb first started, he was quiet, it took a bit to get him to come out of his shell,” said Dan the owner of Dan’s Automotive, Currajong, Townsville.
“But now his confidence has grown, and he is a valued member of our team,” added Dan.
Dan’s Automotive has a long-standing relationship with Tec-NQ, having supported multiple students over the years.
“This is not my first student from Tec-NQ,” Dan explained, “One of our tradesmen, Jayden, was originally a school-based apprentice from Tec-NQ,” he stated.
For Dan, these partnerships are a way to build skills locally and give young people a chance to prove themselves.
Caleb began his placement doing the basics: cleaning, sweeping and passing tools. Through commitment and curiosity, he quickly progressed. Today, he’s operating the hoist, changing oil and completing full services under the supervision of the tradespeople. His growth has been impossible to miss.
“Caleb has really shown us what he’s made of—I plan to offer him an apprenticeship very soon,” Dan said.
Head of Boarding Luke Papworth says this is exactly the opportunity Tec-NQ House is designed to support. “Boarding gives young people the structure and independence to step into real work environments with confidence. When students like Caleb take these opportunities seriously, the transformation is remarkable.”
With the steady support of Tec-NQ House and the hands-on guidance of local industry partners, Caleb is building a strong future in automotive. From quiet beginnings to earning the trust of a professional workshop, he’s proving what dedication and the right environment can achieve.
Tec-NQ House in Rosslea, Townsville accommodates up to 40 boys completing Years 10–12 at Tec-NQ. With a deliberately unique approach to high school, students explore vocational pathways aligned with their career goals while completing their Senior School Certificate.
Through work experience programs across north and west Queensland, students get to test out different industries to see what suits them best. Many students go onto secure school-based apprenticeships where they are paid to learn, before transitioning to full time apprenticeships once they graduate.
For a unique senior school and boarding solution that delivers a real-world trade start, you can’t look past Tec-NQ.
