Leading By Example: VACC Automotive Apprenticeship Graduation 2012

MELBOURNE – Apr 27, 2012: More than one hundred new automotive employees have entered the work force. Qualified and raring to go, 102 VACC automotive apprentices were awarded their certificates at a recent graduation ceremony in Melbourne.

The news is a welcome shot in the arm for the Victorian economy and the local automotive industry, with all the graduates successfully obtaining full-time employment. Each graduate gained their qualification and experience while employed by VACC, and hosted by small businesses in the State’s automotive industry.

“VACC is proud to play its part in supplying trained and skilled employees into the automotive industry,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“VACC supports skills, training and careers in the retail, service and repair sector of the automotive industry and is the largest employer of automotive apprentices in Victoria and Tasmania. We provide the training, mentoring and practical experience with our host employers. It is very exciting to see one hundred and two young men and women start, what we hope will be, very successful careers in the automotive industry,” Mr Purchase said.

Keri Shanks, 25, from Laverton, received her Cert III in Automotive Mechanical Technology – Light Vehicle Mechanic, from VACC President, Tony La Rosa.

“I have always loved cars and it is very satisfying to diagnose a problem, repair it and see the owner drive away, knowing that I have the skills, training and, just as importantly, the experience and confidence to do it,” Keri said.

“The automotive industry is very female friendly these days. Workshops are clean and safe and much of the work is problem solving, using up-to-date technology. I think the career prospects for a female in the automotive industry are really good,” Keri said.

Brenton Hands, 24, from Wantirna South, collected his Cert III in Automotive Mechanical Technology – Heavy Vehicle Road Transport Mechanic. Brenton has a bright future ahead of him, having also recently received the 2011 Kangan Apprentice of the Year Gold Medallion, Technical Group Gold Medallion, an Outstanding Achievement Award in Automotive Technology, and the Silver Medallion in Certificate III in Automotive Technology.

“I intend to keep learning. I have a hunger to know more, and the more skills I have under my belt, the better placed I will be in the future,” Brenton said.