Apprentices tune up 'old bomb' for epic rally

The second-year Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) apprentices have been preparing the car for the ‘Shitbox Rally’, a 12,500km charity drive where teams take on the outback in vehicles worth less than $1,500, all to raise funds for cancer research.

“My first thought was - what a strange-looking car,” said 28-year-old apprentice Brendan Giles.

“The PVC snorkel pipe stood out. I thought it was some kind of teachers prank at first.”

But the car was no joke and neither was the job.

The apprentices were tasked with making the rally car roadworthy enough to cross the country. That meant diagnosing faults, fixing the cooling system, replacing the radiator fan and water pump, and making sure the old beast could handle the heat of the outback.

“It taught me valuable fault-finding skills I can use on the job,” Brendan said.

“And knowing the car’s going into an endurance event - that’s not something we normally get to do in a dealership setting.”

Nineteen-year-old Flynn Brown, who also worked on the car, was just as surprised by the Gemini’s resilience.

“It’s been through a lot, but that Holden motor is solid,” said Flynn.

“I reckon it’ll make the distance, no problem.”

“It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It’s the kind of job that makes you proud,” he said.

For automotive teacher Michael Murray, the project is about more than just prepping a quirky old car, it’s a valuable hands-on opportunity for students.

“This is a real client job, not just a classroom exercise, he said.

“It’s a real project, with real stakes. The students have had to meet deadlines, manage expectations, and deliver work that could hold up for 12,500 kilometres. That’s gold for their learning.”

The clients? Husband-and-wife duo Anthony and Regan McGuigan, who are tackling the rally for the second time. Once they reach the finish line, they plan to auction off the Gemini and donate the proceeds to cancer research.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the team at TAFE Queensland for getting the car rally-ready,” they said.

“The students have done a fantastic job, and it means the world to us to have their support. With their help, this car will not only cross the country it’ll keep raising money even after the rally ends.”

Whether it makes it across the country in one piece or limps over the finish line with duct tape and zip ties, this so-called ‘shitbox’ has provided invaluable experience, a sense of purpose, and a lasting contribution to a worthy cause.