Career switch drives award nomination
A former landscaper’s decision to switch careers has paid off with an award nomination.
Kyle Kraus is a former Melbourne-based landscaper who made the move to Shepparton to pursue a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) apprenticeship with Fords Bus Service Shepparton.
Kyle’s work ethic and dedication encouraged his employers to nominate him for the Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards – and he has since been named as a finalist in the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category.
While the nomination came as a “shock” to Kyle, GOTAFE Automotive Trainer and Assessor Mark Warren was not surprised.
“Kyle is making a great effort to enhance his knowledge and hands-on skills at GOTAFE with myself, and has had great support from Fords Buses,” Mark said.
“(He is) keen to learn and does it with a great rapport.”
Kyle is enjoying the self-paced and hands-on aspects of his course.
“I was a qualified landscaper, and I was on the machines all the time and didn’t really know how to fix them, and they were always breaking down, so I thought why not get into the trade where I can fix them,” Kyle said.
“I love it (the change of career), it’s good fun pulling stuff apart and figuring out what to do.
Fords’ Warren Schramm described Kyle as “hard working”, highlighting that “his attitude towards work and other people is just brilliant.”
Completing a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) in an apprenticeship model opens doors to a variety of roles including heavy vehicle mechanics, diesel fitters, and even supervisory positions.
“It can also be a pathway to higher qualifications or specialised areas such as diagnostics or advanced engineering, leading to job satisfaction and higher income,” Mark said.
“Heavy vehicle mechanics are in steady demand due to the critical role of logistics and transport of people and products.”
The winners of the Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards will be announced at an awards gala in October of this year.
Mid-year enrolments at GOTAFE are now open.
