The MTA Institute (RTO No.31529) prides itself on providing the highest quality technical training and education, to qualified and aspiring automotive professionals, in a supportive environment that encourages the celebration of progress and success of all involved.
With this in mind, the team was thrilled to come together in late November to celebrate the graduation of the inaugural Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program cohorts in Rockhampton and North Brisbane.
Introduced in 2023 as a launching pad for school students in Year 10, 11, and 12 who are interested in exploring the potential of a career in the automotive industry, the MTA Institute partnered
with two schools – GlenTech Auto at Glenmore State High School in Rockhampton, and Arethusa College, Deception Bay – to deliver the VET in Schools program to students. The program is subsidised for eligible candidates through the Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee Program.
The program saw a total of 25 students – 17 in Rockhampton and 8 in Deception Bay – take part in the accredited AUR20720 – Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation course, with training taking place one day per week over the school year and delivered by MTA Institute’s team of experienced technical trainers.
From getting a hands-on education on how to use basic automotive tools correctly and safely, to learning how to effectively identify electrical and mechanical systems and components, the enthusiastic classes of students were excited by the opportunity to set foot into a mechanical workshop environment and sample what a career in today’s exciting automotive industry can entail.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Deception Bay, MTA Institute Training Delivery Manager Scott Gehrke said it had been a privilege to follow the progress of these students throughout the course and commended them on their professionalism and dedication the completing the training.
“It is an extraordinary commitment from these young students to participate in the Certificate II program and kick-start their journey in automotive, and the way they have presented themselves and gotten stuck into the learning has been outstanding throughout the year. I congratulate all successful graduates,” said Mr Gehrke.
“With the automotive industry continuing to be impacted by ongoing skill and labour shortages, the need to connect with schools and offer opportunities that resonate with the next generation of professionals has never been more important. MTA Queensland understands how imperative this is, and we are incredibly excited to be able to bring programs like VET in Schools directly to students and give them additional opportunities to explore the exciting automotive trade.”
The Certificate II course is designed to be an entry point into the automotive pathway, with successful completion increasing the employability of candidates and preparing them to potentially progress into an automotive apprenticeship, a path that several students registered an interest in pursuing as they begin the search for an employer. If your business is interested in engaging with either a school-based apprentice, or an apprentice with the Certificate II program under their belt, please get in touch with us today at courses@mtai.edu.au.
The MTA Institute is committed to delivering more pathways that enable school students around Queensland to access the automotive industry as a viable, exciting career prospect, and is excited to continue the rollout of similar VETiS opportunities in more schools and regions across the state. Stay tuned for more information on the MTA Institute website
as enrolments for 2024 open soon!
Source: Motor Trade e-Magazine (Dec 2023/Jan 2024)
19 January 2024
