FORD PERFORMANCE RACING DRIVERS PROVIDED PLENTY OF TORQUE AT THE 370˚ SKILLS CENTRE OPENING
Words of inspiration from Ford Performance Racing drivers & Commonwealth Minister of Employment Participation will continue to motivate students to take careers further
Yesterday marked the official opening of the 370˚ e-technologies training centre located in Brunswick, offering a form of integrated learning in the electro-technology sector. The state-of-the-art facility was opened by Senator the Honourable Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation who expressed enormous support for the centre as it assists with bridging the gap with the skills shortages.
With thanks to L&H Group, Ford Performance Racing car drivers Steve Richards and Mark Winterbottom were invited to speak about their apprenticeship experiences, achieving goals and the importance of safety and teamwork. The naturally lit foyer was filled with various industry groups, top performing apprentices and sponsors such as EE-Oz, NECA, Middys and PSG Elecraft which were highly engaged with guest speakers. Mark Winterbottom’s V8 Supercar showcar also drew some attention with its attendance parked out front of the skills centre.
Prior to and post formal proceedings, groups of attendees were able to tour the skills centre where they could see first hand the blended learning applications which comprises interactive whiteboards, computers, internet access, practical breakout areas which are all teacher-led during a live classroom session. This style of learning increases student engagement and participation and enhances learning opportunities.
Senator the Honourable Mark Arbib, stated “Trades training is important…not only does it provide young people with a career path for the future, but at the same time as that, it’s preparing this country for our economic and skills needs into the distant future”.
Senator Arbib talks about the importance of the facility and shares, “In the old days there wasn’t a computer in sight nothing to do with solar nothing to do with renewable… getting around today I was able to see with Maurice and Peter some of the things they’re actually doing with green skills training which is fantastic and much needed in this sector”.
“Thank you on behalf of the Australian Government… backing up trades training when it is so, so critical,” says Senator Arbib.
“Our objective is to grow our training student contact hours over the next 5 years through our quality framework”, Maurice Graham, CEO of 370˚ group tells. “The new facility will ensure apprentices entering the skill centre will experience modern day training delivery. With all the new technologies on offer, “our training deliveries must be relevant to today’s students”.
Steve Richards, Ford Performance Racing driver and previous apprentice offered some advise to apprentices, “Ask questions, if you’re ever in doubt with whatever you’re doing just ask someone how to go about it.” When asked about the importance of his apprenticeship, “Whether it was me having to sweep the floor, and I did a lot of that, it’s still an important role because it meant that the trades people could do their role and get the work out”.
Mark Winterbottom, Ford Performance Racing driver tells when asked about the importance of the team, “Driving is a small component.... if our number 1 mechanic doesn’t do the bolts up then the car doesn’t finish, if the engine shop doesn’t do the engine properly then we don’t have enough speed…. everyone’s got a role.” When asked about his goals, “You set goals and your always going to change them… you’re always going to try to better them. Not taking ‘no’ for an answer was one thing that got me through”.
Peter Parry, Training Manager for 370˚ skills centre, shares, “The centre enables 370˚ group to expand training to address skills shortage needs. It allows us to introduce new teaching abilities into sustainable and green technologies. The installation of lighting control and solar panels allow practical demonstration all led by the teacher in a blended learning environment”.
370˚ group is a leading not-for-profit training organisation specialising in the employment and training of electrical apprentices in Victoria and Tasmania. The e-technology skills centre is focused on delivering quality pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and industry courses.