The goal of many an automotive apprentice is that they may, one day, test their skills in the fast-paced world of motorsport. So getting the chance to attend one of Australia’s premiere motorsport events and have the opportunity to tour pit lane, see the racing cars close up, and meet the mechanics and drivers that make the sport such a thrilling experience, is something pretty special.

For a group of MTA Institute apprentices just such a scenario played out at the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars event held in July.

Nine apprentices from workshops across the Townsville region attended the event as guests of Gates Australia – sponsors of the Penrite Racing team – and were able to enjoy a day that would make any motorsport enthusiast green with envy.

Joined by Gates Australia Marketing Manager Priscilla Robb and their MTA Institute trainer Jason McCann, the nine youngsters were given the VIP treatment on practice and qualifying day, getting kitted out in some nifty Penrite team polo shirts and caps, courtesy of Gates; and enjoying the surroundings of the Penrite Racing Suite – along with free food and drink, and the best view of the track – as well as an eye-opening tour of pit lane, including visits to the Penrite Racing Team garage, and cars in the Toyota 86 supporting category.

“The whole day was amazing,” said Corey Dickenson, an 18-year-old, first-year auto-electrical apprentice from Twin Cities Auto Electrical in Townsville. “We went into the pits and met the Penrite mechanics and spoke with driver David Reynolds and were able to look inside his car, which was incredible. We got to ask a few questions about the engine, the horsepower, that sort of thing, and we got to spend the day in the corporate box too, which was incredible. We had free drinks and food, so I have no complaints!”

Touring pit lane and getting to speak to the skilled mechanical teams that make the cars tick was particularly thrilling, said Corey.

“We learned a lot about Supercars, and I would love to get involved at some point,” he said.

For Jason McCann, the students’ MTA Institute trainer and chaperone for the day, attending the event and seeing his apprentices combine the pit lane learning experience with the enjoyment of the corporate box VIP treatment was a real pleasure.

“During the Supercars and Toyota 86 pit tour, the teams demonstrated various mechanical innovations, such as the aerodynamics that were changed for the Townsville track, and the students absolutely loved that interaction,” he said.

“And the Penrite/Gates suite was a luxury welcomed by us all! It allowed a first-class view of the main straight and first corner of the track where students could see the full pace that these machines can reach. The whole day was hugely enjoyable and educational – including for a revhead and car enthusiast like me. The students learned a good deal and would, of course, jump at the chance to be able to attend future events.”

For Gates Australia – part of a leading global manufacturer of fluid power and power transmission solutions – hosting the MTA Institute apprentices in Townsville was part of a larger national program, established around a year ago with apprentices from the Repco network, to engage with apprentices, show where an automotive career can lead, and to encourage them to work through the often tough first few years of an apprenticeship.

“Essentially, the program is really about rewarding the apprentices outside of their day-to-day job in the workshop and showing them there is more to our industry,” said Priscilla Robb.

“We know that by the third year there’s a large exit rate, and this is our part to try to help steer things in a positive direction as opposed to losing a lot of people down the track.
“These are the little things that, although they don’t seem much, open their eyes and show them there is more than the grind that they see in the first four years of their career. It is nice for them . . . and it is a ‘thank you’ for all their hard work.”

Gates Australia’s efforts in this regard are going to continue, with more of the Supercar experiences, and in other ways too, said Priscilla.

“We’ve been running this program for 12 months, kicking off last year with the Gold Coast event, and Townsville was the first time we had reached out to industry partners. Our intention is to continue that across Australia through other rounds of the Supercars, but we are also looking to do other activities to support apprentices in other ways as well – perhaps getting involved in some of the training. This is just the start.”

For MTA Queensland and the MTA Institute, encouraging and supporting apprentices as they start their careers is an important part of its mission to see the automotive industry grow and flourish as it adapts to the technological changes now being seen. And being able to team up with a partner such as Gates Australia for the Townsville Supercars event was a tremendous opportunity.

“As a global leading automotive brand, Gates Corporation has committed to investing in the next generation of the automotive industry and supporting opportunities for apprentices,” said Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO of MTA Queensland. “We have had great success with similar collaborations in the past and we know attending these events and getting a first-hand look at the inner workings of Supercars teams on race days is an unforgettable opportunity for our apprentices, many of whom aspire to work in motorsports. For us to be able to give them that chance can only help inspire them to chase their dreams, and we would like to thank Gates Corporation for making that possible.

“MTA Queensland is always eager to collaborate with brands who share similar values that align with our vision statement, where the partnership results in tangible benefits to our members and our apprentices,” added Kellie. “It is no secret that our industry is undergoing a tremendous amount of technological innovation and change, so working with innovative brands that can assist our members and apprentices to thrive in the future – whether that be through access to technology and products, education, or advice – is something we will continue to explore.”

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (August 2023)

17 August 2023