Aspiring diesel mechanics from the Port Pire region now have a chance to kick start their career before beginning an apprenticeship.
TAFE SA Regional will deliver training in the Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Servicing (Specialising in Heavy Vehicle) at its Port Pirie Campus, in a partnership agreement with the Department for Education and Child Development, and Caterpillar dealer Cavpower, under the Industry Pathway Program.
The Industry Pathway Program will run for 2 years, commencing in early August and interested year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to consider what could be a very rewarding career.
Education Manager for TAFE SA Regional Manufacturing, Engineering and Transport Program, Clive Thomson said, “We expect there will be shortages of up to 1500 diesel mechanics by 2015, so this program provides an ideal opportunity to introduce and promote the automotive industry to school students”.
“Having an industry leader like Cavpower involved in this course is of great benefit to the local students”, said Mr Thomson. “They will be exposed to stringent industry standards and benchmarks in industry work skills."
Mr Robin O’Dea, an Industry Skills Manager within the Industry Pathway Program, said that the new course gives students another option when considering combining a career pathway with the completion of SACE.
“The partnership with TAFE SA and Cavpower means that the highest standards of vocational and workplace training will be delivered”, said Mr O’Dea.
Participating students will work through trade competencies in the diesel section of the TAFE SA Port Pirie Campus automotive workshop. With regular work placement opportunities, Cavpower will support and monitor the students as they progress through the course, with the possibility of employment outcomes upon completion.
Successful completion will reduce the time of an apprenticeship by anything up to a year. Candidates applying for this competitive program will be aptitude tested and interviewed by industry representatives.
Students will be funded throughout the program through the Training Guarantee for SACE Students component of the State Government's Skills For All initiative.
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For further information contact TAFE SA Port Pirie Campus on 8638 4222