Mudgee resident Jake D’Elboux is in the fast lane to achieving his goal of becoming a motor mechanic through TAFE’s Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jake believes the work experience component of the SEE Program gave him the perfect opportunity to prove he was passionate and had the skills to be successful in the industry.
He grabbed this opportunity with both hands and was rewarded with an apprenticeship at Ross Granata Motors in Mudgee.
“The best part of the SEE Program at TAFE NSW was the ability to do up to 300 hours of work experience in the industry,” Mr D’Elboux said.
“I knew if I got in there (Ross Granata Motors), showed I was willing to learn and wasn’t afraid of getting my hands dirty, then this was my best chance of getting a job as a mechanic.
“I wouldn’t have been able to arrange work experience on my own. I am grateful for the assistance of Helen Doble [TAFE NSW SEE Program coordinator and Foundation Skills teacher] and TAFE NSW.
“They really did help me relaunch my career.”
Ms Doble said Jake, a mature-aged student from Joblink Plus, had a clear direction to find an apprenticeship as a mechanic and worked hard to make sure his dream became a reality.
“Jake was a quiet, knowledgeable and studious worker eager to learn more,” she said.
“He is a great example of students coming to TAFE NSW, learning real-life skills that are highly respected and sought after in the workplace and successfully utilising our huge range of industry contacts.”
Ross Granata Motors field operations manager Matt Dighton said Jake came to them with basic mechanical knowledge and a drive to succeed.
“Jake put his head down and worked hard from the start of his work experience, impressing the right people including our dealer principal who said Jake would be a great choice to stay on with the business as an apprentice,” he said.
“Jake is in his first year of his apprenticeship and we are supporting him to complete a Certificate III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology course at TAFE NSW Dubbo.
“He will do very well if he continues to apply himself.”
The SEE Program helps eligible jobseekers improve their education and employability skills to participate more effectively in training or the workforce.
To find out more on the program or any other of TAFE’s range of study options - from online courses to diplomas and degrees, training and fulltime education - visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
