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TAFE News – Career Boost

Tafe NSW Mercedes apprentice earns trip to the USA.

An automotive apprentice at TAFE NSW Ultimo is about to undertake a career boost that will send him on a tour of the United States later this year.

Botany resident Fearghus Von Prott is in his second year at TAFE NSW Ultimo studying Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

The 20-year-old was awarded the W.R Galvin OAM International Scholarship to Study Vocational Excellence at Mercedes-Benz in Kentucky.

The scholarship will give Fearghus an opportunity to experience how Mercedes-Benz America approaches skills in the automotive industry.

He was humbled to have been one of three apprentices in Australia selected for the scholarship. He was also excited by how much he had learned in the past 18-months of his apprenticeship at TAFE NSW Ultimo.

“Knowing my teachers are equipping me with real, practical skills and current experience is important to me. It means I’m learning exactly what I need to work in the industry.

“My first-year teacher also works as a technician in the industry part-time, and my current teacher is very good at passing on practical skills, they really know their stuff.

“Even in my first year undertaking my training at TAFE NSW I was learning skills and techniques I was able put into practice straight away at work,” Fearghus said.

Fearghus was assisted into his apprenticeship with Mercedes by WPC Group, who awarded him with the scholarship.

NSW State Manager of the WPC Group, Nathan Ellery, has praised Fearghus for his efforts.

“Fearghus was given this opportunity based on his own merit and he has proved“Fearghus was given this opportunity based on his own merit and he has proved to be an asset to Mercedes-Benz Sydney. We look forward to him growing within the business and beyond his apprenticeship,” he said.

Fearghus was excited by his progress and at the prospect of his upcoming USA tour.

“I’m really enjoying this industry and my automotive training,” he said.

“I encourage people to get an apprenticeship and go to TAFE NSW, I think it’s better than university and automotive apprenticeships are free now.

“There’s often someone looking to hire a mechanic. I’m loving it so far and keen to see where my career goes.”

To explore your future training options with Australia’s largest education provider call 131 601
For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
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