A career change can be daunting, but for former Royal Australian Navy boilermaker Shaun McCudden, becoming a teacher has been a fulfilling experience.

The 46-year-old began teaching five years ago on a Permission to Teach while he was studying a Bachelor of Education at Central Queensland University.

Shaun's journey into teaching reflects QCT data that the average age of all teacher applicants to Queensland is 37-years-old.

Before taking on teaching, Shaun spent seven years serving in the Royal Australian Navy, working aboard small boats and completing multiple deployments to East Timor and Bougainville. After his military service, he transitioned to a career as the head of engineering at Australia Zoo, where he oversaw the construction of animal enclosures and the maintenance of zoo facilities.

He also spent five years delivering engineering training to apprentices across Queensland, a role that would later spark his interest in teaching.

"While running Cert II engineering pathways programs for disengaged youth, I discovered my passion for working with younger students. This experience inspired me to complete my teaching degree," he said.

At Grace Lutheran College's Rothwell Campus he teaches Industrial Technology and Design at the school's Trade Skills Centre, joining a team of teachers bringing their trades, skills and experience to their students.

Within his first few years of teaching, he took on an Acting Head of Department role while his supervisor was on long service leave. Although it was a challenge, he described it as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

Now in his third year at the college, the career changer is not just teaching students, he’s also mentoring them and helping them find their own paths in the world of trades and technology.

For others considering a career change, he offers simple yet powerful advice: "Teaching and mentoring can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. For those considering a career change into teaching, I’d encourage them to pursue it wholeheartedly - it’s worth it."