Peter Redfern-Elliot
"The greatest reward of teaching is to make a difference in someone’s life. Changing people’s lives for the better is what I am all about!"
Peter has been teaching at the Canberra Institute of Technology for 15 years. He is currently teaching Hospitality, Hotel, Travel, Tourism and Events Management programs, from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level.
Prior to teaching, Peter worked in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years, offering his students the opportunity to benefit from his experience and insights.
With a desire to help his students to reach their full potential, Peter provides the knowledge and skills they need for their career. Peter’s passion for vocational education and training, in addition to his talents in explaining training courses, are the main reasons for his success.
Peter said, “I love coming to work for my students because that’s what makes me wake up every day. Honestly, I can say that, from 15 years ago when I first started this job. I remember walking into my first classroom going ‘I love this, I just can’t get enough of this’. To this day it’s exactly the same, nothing has changed."
Peter has also been a Pastoral Care Officer for 9 years in the Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Department, providing wellbeing and academic support to international students with care, concern, empathy, and diligence.
Since January 2017, Peter has worked in partnership with the Ginninderry SPARK Training & Employment Initiative on several programs. He successfully increased and maintained a high completion rate among participants from low socio-economic backgrounds and participants facing multiple barriers.
Through his strong connections with the industry, Peter helped secure work experience placements for 85% of the SPARK participants, in which 65% gained employment.
“My teaching philosophy is about providing an environment that’s fun, engaging and where students can feel comfortable and safe and where they can learn through a simulated environment.", said Peter
Peter has received awards to recognise his teaching abilities, including the 2020 CIT Staff Appreciation Award, and he was a finalist in the 2015 Public VET Teacher Award and 2015 CIT Student Association Teacher of the Year Award.
In 2023, Peter was named the ACT VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year and a finalist for VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.
Abstracts this author is presenting: