The sky’s the limit for Steve

Steve Steendam had a career change from lab technician to fitter and turner. Ever since, it’s been one big rollercoaster ride – just the way he likes it.

Steve Steendam has never been afraid to jump outside his comfort zone. For him, it’s where the magic happens.

When he’s not teaching engineering at Chisholm, you may find him 30 metres below sea level scuba diving on the ocean floor, or 14,000 feet in the air sky diving out of a plane.

It’s how the self-confessed adrenalin junkie likes to live his life. And it’s that same adventurous approach and passion that makes Steve so good at teaching.

“I always say don’t ever let your age or what you’re doing stop you from trying something new,” says Steve.

“The worst that can happen is you decide you don’t like it.”

Steve did an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner in 1997. Prior to that, he’d worked as a lab technician, but felt like it was time for a change.

As fate would have it, Steve learned the trade in the same workshop he now teaches in at Chisholm.

For 25 years, Steve moved around the industry, working in a drafting office, welding on-site, then on to machine building and CNC machining.

When an opportunity arose to train young apprentices coming into his workplace, Steve jumped at the opportunity.

And just like that, the idea to become a teacher was born.

Steve did a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and joined Chisholm’s teaching team.

Over the years, Steve has found his time at Chisholm extremely rewarding.

He’s taught the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, as well as developing training programs for industry courses such as Monash Motorsports and Planet Innovation.

More recently, Steve’s been heavily involved with VET delivered to secondary students (VETDSS) and the Certificate II in Engineering Studies pre-apprenticeship.

As part of his work with the pre-apprenticeship, Steve has built industry connections and organised meets and greets between employers and students to help open employment opportunities.                                   

“I love connecting with people and watching people develop themselves,” says Steve.

For his amazing work, Steve was nominated as Educator of the Year at the 2023 Chisholm Education Awards.

Prior to that in 2022, he won the Chisholm GEM (going the extra mile) award for his extraordinary efforts in coaching and engaging his Certificate III students with industry.

So, what’s next for Steve?

Well, he plans to continue his learning journey – indefinitely.

At the time of writing this article, Steve was busy finishing an Associate Degree in Vocational Education and Training, and had his sights set on a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m always searching for new knowledge, whether practical or theoretical,” says Steve.

“It’s like a rollercoaster that doesn’t seem to be stopping – every time I get to the end of one thing, I decide to start on the next challenge.”