However, earlier this year Mr Thomas enrolled in The University College’s Associate Degree in Applied Business after discovering his passion for study.

“I left school at 15 and the only study I’d done since was a Certificate 4 in Front Line Management, but I loved it,” he said.

Mr Thomas worked as an interstate truck driver for 19 years before moving to Tasmania 13 years ago.

He started with City of Launceston council at its waste management centre and then applied for new roles, progressing his way up the ladder until landing the role he holds now as City Services supervisor.

“As opportunities arose I applied for them. You never stop growing, and shouldn’t pigeon hole yourself,” he said.

With 31 staff reporting to him, Mr Thomas sees that his study will help with his work commitments at council as well as personal development.

“I wanted to do it for self improvement. Learning is a gift, and it helps with day-to-day work practices,” he said.

“I can see it helping with finding efficiencies and savings and giving me the tools to ask the right questions to help me get them answers I need. Leading efficient teams is one of my units.”

When Mr Thomas saw the opportunity to study for this associate degree, he made a case to his manager at City of Launceston and it was approved.

“City of Launceston has been so supportive; I can’t thank them enough.”

For one of his units Mr Thomas and his fellow students presented their research during a Student Showcase at the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus on Wednesday night.

The group pitched marketing concepts that addressed real-world problems to Launceston industry representatives.

Drawing on his experience with council’s Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins, Mr Thomas spoke about the work he oversees, such as cleansing crews, kerbside collections and waste facilities, and how such waste could be repurposed.

“I tried to show the journey for FOGO waste from where it starts, to the bin, to being composted, to being utilised on our plants and in parks and gardens. It’s circular recycling,” he said.

Since introducing FOGO bins a year ago 7000 Launceston properties have taken them up, with 10,000 expected by the end of 2019, Mr Thomas said.

“That’s two years ahead of schedule,” he said.

While nervous about making his pitch, Mr Thomas said his student cohort were all in the same boat and had been learning from each other.

“It’s a very friendly group. I’m getting out as much as I’m giving.”

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