From Trade to Teaching: How Brendan is Cultivating Lifelong Learning and Community Impact

When you meet Brendan Johnston, one thing becomes immediately clear: he is driven by a deep-seated passion for helping young people find their path in life.

Currently a secondary school teacher at Saints College in Ballarat – a specialised re-engagement school for young people who have disengaged from mainstream education – Brendan spends his days equipping students with practical, real-world skills. But Brendan's journey to the classroom was far from traditional.

A Crossroad at 30 Years

For over three decades, Brendan worked as a successful sheet metal worker running his own trade business. Having left school early himself, the trade was all he knew. However, after 30-odd years in the industry, he realised he needed a change.

"I reached a stage in that career where I needed a break... I've always believed that we're put on the planet to learn."

After deciding to close his business, Brendan visited a local university open day to explore new possibilities. A conversation with educators sparked an idea he'd never previously considered: becoming a teacher. Drawing on his years of hands-on experience, Brendan completed a dual Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Technology, going on to teach trade subjects like metalwork and woodwork.

Bridging the Gap: Teaching Life Skills

While teaching in mainstream schools, Brendan noticed a missing link between standard classroom theory and real-world preparation.

A chance encounter on a train with a former student solidified his vision. She shared that despite spending years in school, she felt unprepared for basic real-life tasks like applying for an official identifier for tax purposes.

Determined to make learning genuinely meaningful, Brendan pivoted towards vocational and work-ready education, teaching active volunteering and essential life skills.

"There was a real disconnect between teaching 25 young people in a classroom situation to actually teaching them what life's about... I changed the way I teach. I try to make teaching an opportunity for young people to be learning all the time."

Expanding into Horticulture with Open Colleges

To bring fresh, practical opportunities to his students at Saints College, Brendan set his sights on a new goal: teaching a Certificate II in Horticulture. While Brendan had a passion for plants and spent plenty of time in his "happy place" – the Ballarat Botanic Gardens – he wanted to master the formal theory behind horticulture so he could deliver the qualification at his school.

Looking for a study option that would fit around his full-time teaching role, Brendan turned to Open Colleges.

"Initial research brought up Open Colleges. When I started speaking to the support people online and over the phone, I found them to be really knowledgeable and approachable... Online learning has been a very powerful way of learning because I don't need to sit down and go, 'Oh, I need to attend class at this time.' I can do it outside of my work hours."

Hands-On Study & Interactive Learning

Studying online allowed Brendan to set aside time on weekends and evenings, progressing through course materials at his own speed. Rather than feeling isolated, Brendan found the regular input from his trainers, Jackie and Blaine, to be encouraging and clear.

To complete interactive scenarios, Brendan brought the learning into his own home and garden:

"Last night we sat down, and I was a nursery assistant, and my wife walked into our nursery asking for plant ideas for shade-loving areas... We walked outside into our own garden, and I could say, 'This is what this plant is, and this is where it grows well.' We were able to really engage that way."

Planting Seeds for the Future

Brendan's ultimate vision goes beyond fulfilling his own qualifications – it's about giving his students a sense of purpose, mindfulness, and community connection through hands-on learning.

From introducing aquaculture and small vegetable patches to teaching young people where food comes from, Brendan is laying the groundwork for ambitious community projects. His goal is to establish "Saints Garden Gurus" – a student-led mobile garden maintenance service that offers free lawn care to elderly and disadvantaged community members.

"If you can nurture something from soil, plant a seed, watch it grow, and then watch it produce food, they get that feeling of where their food comes from... My advice to anyone thinking about studying while working? Just give it a go. Seriously. Once you start and get into a routine, it's amazing how much you can learn."

Inspired by Brendan's Story?

Whether you're looking to upskill, pivot to a new industry, or turn a lifelong passion into a rewarding career, Open Colleges provides flexible, online learning designed to fit into your life.

Explore our Horticulture Courses today and take the first step towards your next chapter!