Frequently asked questionsTeaching Technology studies

How do I become a Design and Technology teacher?

Undergraduate degree in a technology areaIf you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, e.g. Industrial or Product Design, Engineering, Fashion Design, Architecture (with a practical component), Furniture Design, etc., you can complete a Graduate Diploma of Teaching, or a Master of Teaching at a number of universities. Unfortunately, not many universities offer a Technology Teaching method – it may depend on whether they have enough students wanting to enrol in this area (check before you enrol).

Trade qualificationIf you have a trade background (i.e. a Cert 4 in a trade and a number of years of industrial experience), LaTrobe University offers an 18 month-2 year teaching degree that will qualify you to teach Technology, (with a focus on VET). Relevant information can be found through the LaTrobe Uni website or contact their education faculty directly.

You would also need to complete the ‘Safe Use of Machinery’ accreditation to teach in the Wood and Metal areas.

Already a teacher, but in another areaI have teaching qualification in another learning area, but would like to teach a Technology subject (e.g. Materials Technology – Wood, Metal, Plastics, Textiles or Systems Engineering). What do I need to do to be able to teach in any of these areas?

For VIT recognition of this as a tagged learning area, you would need to have completed 1 year of study in a relevant material or subject area. Principal should recognise industrial/trade training and experience when considering whether a teacher is suitable for teaching in these areas.

There are currently no courses that are available if you want to gain a post-teaching qualification for the Technology teaching area. LaTrobe Uni teach units in Technology teaching methods, but their Technology Education course has only limited technical or practical components. The only way to show accredited knowledge in the practical aspects of your materials or specialist area is to gain some form of relevant TAFE accreditation.

You may have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area (e.g. Engineering) but don’t have a method or tagging in the Technology area (it may be in Science). If you completed a practical/technical component in your undergraduate degree, it will be easier for you to transition across to teaching Technology.

All teachers of Technology - to teach in the Wood/Metal areas in government schools, you are required to have gained the ‘Safe Use of Machinery’ accreditation. It is also highly recommended that teachers in Catholic and Independent schools complete this course.

Please note - principals can authorise teachers without a recognised tagging or experience to teach in the area, but the principal has the responsibility for any issues that might arise. Teachers in these situations require a lot of support from other Technology faculty members. DATTA Vic doesn’t recommend untrained teachers teach in Technology specialist areas. We would be seriously concerned about their safety and the safety of their students.