GOTAFE students take the wheel in Seymour
GOTAFE has welcomed its first cohort of Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) students to Seymour this week.
Some 10 students commenced their studies at GOTAFE’s Trades Training Centre in Loco Street.
GOTAFE delivers the heavy commercial vehicle qualification to 81 students in Shepparton and Wangaratta, with the new offering improving the accessibility of education opportunities to Seymour and surrounding communities.
The first cohort in Seymour is made up of a diverse range of students, including those who have completed pre-apprenticeships, school-based apprenticeships or VET in school – but also those who are new to industry or have limited experience, and are willing to undertake an apprenticeship.
Mature-age student Tracey Burge entered an apprenticeship after landing a job at the School of Armour in Puckapunyal.
She began her studies at GOTAFE Shepparton but has recently transferred to Seymour.
"The new facilities are great, there is so much more space,” Tracey said.
“There are so many skills I am excited to learn.”
Tracey would typically have travelled an hour each way to get to TAFE in Shepparton but is now only having to travel 20 minutes to get to or from TAFE.
“It is so much more accessible,” she said.
In undertaking a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) with GOTAFE, Tracey is learning to repair and service heavy commercial vehicles, diagnose and repair issues and gaining the skills to carry out welding, thermal heating, and cutting procedures.
“The job I am in now is quite physical,” she said.
“We have sprockets that weigh 80 kilos that you have to smash with a sledgehammer.
“I’m 53 in August - it’s hard work.
“But I’ve got a lot of determination... I don’t throw the towel in very quickly.”
