Media releases
Brisbane students bring home the gold at 2008 WordSkills National Competition
International students loving SkillsTech Australia automotive program
SkillsTech Australia - unlocking trades for women
See the SkillsTech Australia motor racing repair team in action
Foundry at Acacia Ridge Training Centre will boost industry recognition
Brisbane students bring home the gold at 2008 WorldSkills National Competition!
Gold medal winners Daniel Karanges (Sheetmetal work) and Perrin Bouna (Automotive mechanics) and silver medal winners, Steve Kildey (Auto electrical) and Andrew Arthur (Electrical installation) arrived back in Brisbane on the 16th of July after representing Queensland in their trades.
The students are now eagerly waiting to hear if they will be selected to compete for the Australian team, 'The Skillaroos', and defend the country's fifth place ranking at the WorldSkills International competition in Calgary, Canada next year.
The WorldSkills National Competition is held every second year and gives trade students across Australia the opportunity to compete against each other for the title of 'Australian National Champion' in their trade.
The students were part of a ten strong SkillsTech Australia team. The remainder of the team included Brett McIntosh (Bricklaying), Tom Semple (Cabinetmaking), Dustan Morrison (Electrical Control Systems), David Bignell (Joinery), Brian Pethtel (Wall & Floor Tiling), and Daniel Finlay (Plumbing).
Each of the students competed in a regional competition during 2007 before being selected to join the Queensland team in their chosen trade.
SkillsTech Australia is the lead TAFE institute for training in automotive, building and construction, manufacturing and engineering, electrical / electronics and sustainable technologies throughout Queensland.
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July 2008
International students loving SkillsTech Australia automotive program
On February 11, 2008, SkillsTech Australia took on board its first contingent of international students in the Certificate III Automotive Technology course. The program is a two year intensive course offering classroom and simulated work environment learning.
The students have come to Brisbane from Thailand, Canada, Tonga, Poland, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. It seems that the male fascination for cars is a universal affair!
And although the program has only been up and running for a couple of weeks, the students are positively embracing both the course and the Brisbane lifestyle.
Naresh Shekhda is from Gujarat in India. He says the SkillsTech Australia course is one of the best in the world. "I wanted to do this course because it's globally recognised," he says.
"Then I'd like to have my own garage back in India - there are lots of opportunities at home."
Terry Thomson is the Principal Teacher of the course. He's enthusiastic about the new course.
"A lot of work has gone into developing this course and making it really work for international students. Basically they're getting a great opportunity to fast track into the automotive industry. And at SkillsTech Australia, we reckon we provide the best training in the world - top facilities and teachers, and a great learning environment."
Tevita Sikalu is a 40-year old father of seven from Tokomololo in Tonga. He's worked in the automotive field in Tonga and he's keen to improve his skills and knowledge to world class standard. "I like the emphasis on safety and the environment in this course," says Tevita.
While the students may come from extremely diverse backgrounds there are two things that unite them as a group. They love cars - and they love Brisbane!
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February 2008
SkillsTech Australia - unlocking trades for women
Young women are making inroads into what were once regarded as male-oriented trades and SkillsTech Australia is paving the way.
Managing Director, Steve Ghost said it is encouraging to see young women entering trade areas once never explored.
Three of the 11 apprentice locksmiths who recently completed a four week training program with SkillsTech Australia were young women who embraced what was once regarded as a traditional male occupation.
The three female apprentice locksmiths have to travel to Brisbane, along with their male counterparts, to undertake four weeks of training twice a year as part of their three year apprenticeship.
Nikki Bornis, Shenae Johnson and Rebecca Paice are passionate about their careers and are great role models for other young women wanting to pursue a trade. Eighteen year old Nikki Bornis of Townsville started her locksmith apprenticeship in January 2007 and loves her job.
"I always wanted to do a trade and my ambition is to become a tradesperson, and eventually move into management," Nikki said.
From here, Nikki is keen to help other women move into a trade.
Shenae Johnson of Toowoomba had plenty of options after Year 12, including studying human movements at the University of Queensland, but instead chose an apprenticeship with her father in his locksmithing business.
"I love the work and hope to go into business with my dad when I finish," Shenae said.
And twenty-two years old Rebecca Paice from Nambour has her career mapped out.
"Eventually I want my own business as a security consultant, combining locksmithing and electronics," Rebecca said.
Steve Ghost said for these young women finishing their apprenticeship will give ensure their success and provide positive role models for other women.
"Not only is this helping to address the skills shortage but there are huge rewards for capable young people - men and women - in pursuing a trade or technical career. "SkillsTech Australia is holding extra locksmithing programs to cope with the demand."
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February 2008
See the SkillsTech Australia motor racing repair team in action
The SkillsTech Australia Motor Racing Repair Team (MRRT) recently completed a very successful six day operation repairing damaged race vehicles during the Gold Coast Indy 300 Carnival.
A group of dedicated teachers set up a repair centre at the event, with selected SkillsTech Australia automotive students from Longreach, Bundaberg, Gympie, Redcliffe, and Brisbane participating as team members.
The team was followed around their workshop by a professional film crew from SkillsOne, a dedicated training channel on Foxtel's Aurora Channel. Watch the video on the Skillsone website.
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October 2007
Foundry at Acacia Ridge Training Centre will boost industry recognition
The 'sod' has been turned and construction commenced on the new $7 million Foundry and Patternmaking facility, a major initiative of the Queensland Skills Plan, at the SkillsTech Australia Acacia Ridge Training Centre, Brisbane.
The foundry manufacturing segment services diverse markets, crucial to a healthy economy in Queensland, and generates close to $600 million in sales. It is profitable, embraces new technology and has excellent growth opportunities.
Directly employing 2000 people, including 208 apprentices/trainees, this industry contributes in excess of $255 million to local economies and casts 94,000 tonnes of iron and steel each year.
Prior to the commencement of SkillsTech Australia, the foundry facility was located at the Yeronga Training Centre, where there were only 22 apprentices enrolled in training. Today, there are approximately 120 apprentices with an expected 15-20% growth over the next five years.
The new facility will include training rooms connecting to a flexible workshop area and laboratories directly linked to the main workshop floor using the latest cutting edge technology.
The Local Advisory Working Group, consisting of industry representatives, educational infrastructure members and teaching staff, has provided invaluable advice and facilitated the establishment of industry partnerships and sponsorship.
Construction is expected to be complete by April/May 2008, and with Queensland being the only TAFE in the country to be expanding both its facility and program in the areas of Foundry and Patternmaking, SkillsTech Australia is well positioned to become the lead centre for foundry and patternmaking training in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Region.
Download a photo of the Australian Foundry Institute - QLD Committee [PDF 160kb]
Download a photo of the Foundry and Patternmaking LAWG [PDF 155kb]
September 2007
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