Partnership builds workforce for the future

Five years ago the partnership started with just four apprentices, now Frizelle Sunshine Automotive has more than 100 apprentices studying at TAFE Queensland.

Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Service Staff Development Manager Brendan Dennett wanted a Registered Training Organisation that could support the development of the group and value-add to their current training opportunities.

After reviewing the hands-on, practical training TAFE Queensland offered, visiting the world-class modern training facilities at the Ashmore campus, and speaking with passionate, highly-experienced and industry-current teachers, Mr Dennett decided to send four apprentices to TAFE Queensland to begin their mechanical servicing training.

“TAFE Queensland’s trainers are amongst the best in Queensland and have a passion for their students to succeed. We have always been supported by TAFE and its trainers — that is the difference as I see it,” said Mr Dennett.

"The trainers and staff are the absolute point of difference or 'top of the tree' and the administration staff are incredibly supportive, going out of their way to ensure great service."

With more than 100 apprentices now among their workforce, Frizelle Sunshine Automotive recently built their own on-site training centre, using TAFE Queensland’s highly experienced and regarded trainers.

"With the support and drive of TAFE Queensland, Frizelle Sunshine Automotive has built its own training centre, at which the TAFE trainers are heavily involved," continued Mr Dennett.

“A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into this project, assisted and in some cases driven by Glenn Cuthbert and Emma Thompson from TAFE Queensland."

"Our qualified technicians also participate in TAFE Queensland-led skills training, with Frizelle focused on employee development and promoting a growth-mindset’," he concluded.

TAFE Queensland General Manager on the Gold Coast, Karen Dickinson said the training organisation is constantly working closely with industry to shape products and delivery modes to keep up with growth and the occupations likely to develop in the future.

"We align our training with the needs of Queensland’s industries, designing new programs in areas of emerging need and industry transformation, while ensuring traditional trades’ educational practices are contemporary," said Ms Dickinson.

"As the needs of our employers and industry change, so does our training. We want to ensure we have job-ready graduates who can assist employers to innovate, grow and future-proof their businesses."

"Currently Frizelle Sunshine Automotive also receives a number of TAFE Queensland’s International Students for vocational placement, pointing to the reciprocal trust and regard within this partnership," she said.

Established in 1985, Frizelle Sunshine Automotive is one of the largest, most trusted automotive dealers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Twenty-two automotive brands (new and older models) are sold and serviced at the dealerships, across eight locations.

Each year TAFE Queensland partners with over 13,000 Queensland small businesses and provide around 20,000 apprentices with the training they need to be job-ready.