Course puts care into cars

By Glen Atwell
LYNDHURST Secondary College will put the motivation back into mechanics when it launches its first technical-based TAFE course this week.
As part of the Vocational and Education Training (VET) program, Lyndhurst students will have the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Automotive engineering and gain hands-on experience in a fully functional workshop.
The new course will help reinvent the concept of the ‘tech’ school, and will be backed by a 12-strong Industry Advisory Panel, put together by the school to help oversee the course and provide potential career paths to participating students.
The industry panel includes a range of specialist professionals, including local bank managers, members of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and the quarry manager of a Lyndhurst sand plant.
Industry Advisory Panel liaison Gary Saunders said the new automotive course would give students a broad overview of the industry and offer future pathways.
“The program is part of the VET system, so students will spend time in the workshop, time in class and one day a week out in the work force gaining valuable experience,” he said.
“Our industry panel will greatly assist our students in gaining opportunities to work and ensuring the course is up-to-date with current standards and trends.”
“As part of the Certificate II in Automotive, students will learn the basics of a mechanics workshop, auto-electrics, gear boxes and much more.”
Mr Saunders said the demise of the technical school meant there was high demand for skilled workers and a lot of opportunities for those interested.
“Lyndhurst was originally a tech school, so it is exciting to start offering these hands-on courses again.
“Historically, there has been a stigmatisation of tech schools and trade courses with having low educational value but these industries offer young Australians the prospect of strong, secure, challenging and rewarding careers,” Mr Saunders said.
Lyndhurst Secondary College also has plans to introduce a number of other trade courses in the coming years.
“We’ve got a number of old laser milling machines sitting idle and if we could get government funding to build a hospitality kitchen, this could be the start of something special,” Mr Saunders said.