TAFE Queensland and sci-fleet motors give apprentices kick start

More than 100 apprentices from Sci-Fleet Motors are now qualified technicians with specialist skills in Toyota mechanical technology thanks to a unique apprenticeship program developed by TAFE Queensland and the Toyota Motor Corporation.

Since 2006 apprentices at Sci-Fleet, a Brisbane-based Toyota dealership, have enrolled in a tailored apprenticeship program — Certificate III In Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30616) — that sees apprentices complete their specialist training at the Toyota National Training Institute, with core competency training undertaken at TAFE Queensland’s Acacia Ridge campus.

“I may be biased but I think the Toyota program is one of the best apprenticeship programs in the country and this is largely due to the exceptional care and delivery from the TAFE Queensland trainers,” said Joanne Marshall, Apprenticeships Coordinator at Sci-Fleet Motors.

“TAFE Queensland delivers a relevant and high skill-level program for Sci-Fleet Motors’ apprentices,” she said.

Ms Marshall said the key challenge in the early days was that the program was brand-new, but through commitment, feedback, and adaptation, a highly effective apprentice training program has resulted.

The program established a specific manufacturer-based program, meets the required apprentice training program outcomes, and is delivered in the ‘Toyota way’, aligning with Toyota’s philosophy and practices.

“Who knows what our program will look like in the future, but I'm confident it will still involve a partnership between TAFE Queensland and Sci-Fleet Motors,” said Ms Marshall.

“Training apprentices is not always easy, but the relationship with your RTO (Registered Training Organisation) should be,” she said.

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider in the state.

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

"We know the power of training and skills and we're in the privileged position of not only being able to help our students to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations, but also enhance the social wellbeing and financial sustainability of the communities in which we work and live in throughout Queensland," TAFE Queensland SkillsTech General Manager John Tucker said.

"Our teachers are providing the high-level training that Queenslanders need and are equipping students, communities and industry partners with the skills required for the jobs of the future," he said.