Naomi Barton is only one of 33 Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM) students* completing their degrees in Rockhampton region and looking forward to primary, secondary and early childhood teaching positions next year.

What sets her apart from her colleagues at an end-of-term function this week, is that she's the first female BLM student to graduate as a manual arts teacher.

Naomi Barton (front) with study buddies L-R Emily Vanderpal, Helen Thompson and Jordyn Dixon

Naomi says she loves working with her hands and doing her own home renovations.

"I believe that by taking the opportunity to obtain a BLM (Secondary and Vocational Education and Training) specialising in Manual Arts, it will give me the opportunity to use the skills I have developed, teach students skills that can be useful throughout their lives and hopefully be a positive supportive influence in what can be the most difficult years of a student's life, years 8 to 10." 

Although Naomi did not have any trade or TAFE qualifications, this did not stop her from reaching out to attain her goal of being a Manual Arts teacher.

Through Professional Development studies arranged by CQUniversity and presented by various schools around Rockhampton, Naomi was able to advance her skills in the areas of woodwork, metalwork, junior graphics, computer-aided drawing, industrial skills and industrial design.

With some further studies through TAFE, Naomi will soon have the required certificates to teach the industrial-based subjects for year 11 and 12.

"The school hosting my last prac expressed an interest in the idea of having a female Manual Arts teacher. Having a female 'man arts' teacher in the workshop may encourage the female students to take more of an interest in the Manual Arts studies. I hope this idea will be one expressed by many more schools," Naomi said.

BLM students celebrate the end of their studies

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* 15 Secondary/VET, 10 Primary and 8 Early Childhood students.

Naomi Barton (front) with study buddies L-R Emily Vanderpal, Helen Thompson and Jordyn Dixon