MTA Queensland VET Trainer Scholarship

MTA Queensland is pleased to offer the MTA Queensland VET Trainer Scholarship.
Each round, one female and one male candidate will be awarded the Scholarship, which provides the opportunity for automotive professionals to further their careers by undertaking the TAE40122 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course valued at over $3,000
This scholarship is ideal for individuals interested in delivering training in the vocational education training sector.

Application Dates

Applications for the Trainer Scholarship will open on the following dates:
OPEN DATE 1

1 February 2025

CLOSE DATE

28 February 2025

ANNOUNCED

 April 2025

OPEN DATE 2

1 August 2025

CLOSE DATE

31 August 2025

ANNOUNCED

October 2025

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Trainer Scholarship applicants must have:
  • Completed an Automotive Trade Certificate in any of the following vocational areas:
    • Light Vehicle, Heavy Vehicle, Auto Electrical, Motorcycle, Mobile Plant, Agricultural, Parts Interpreting, Outdoor Power Equipment, Automotive Body Repair & Refinishing and Underbody.
  • A minimum 5-years automotive industry experience post apprenticeship.
  • Must be a Queensland resident

Course Information

The TAE40122 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment course is designed to teach the skills and knowledge required to deliver training in the vocational education and training sector.
Through the course, participants will learn skills in designing, conducting, and assessing training for the vocational sector, while also receiving knowledge on how to facilitate learning in various conditions and evaluate the impacts of various learning programs.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will meet the qualification requirements necessary to perform training in the Vocational Education and Training sector.

How To Apply

To apply for an MTA Queensland VET Trainer Scholarship Trainer Scholarship, you will need to complete the online application form located at the bottom of this page. Note: the application form will only appear when a Scholarship round is in progress.
You will need to complete all relevant sections, ensuring you provide answers to all of the questions.
If there is anything else you would like to tell us, you can upload up to 4 files to support your application.

PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to the following individuals who have been awarded the MTAQ VET Trainer Scholarship:
With 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry, Wayne holds multiple trade qualifications and manufacturer-specific training certificates and was previously selected as one of six technicians in Australia to compete at the domestic level of Kia’s annual Skills Cup. He has shown expert knowledge and an interest in learning new skills and technology and is passionate about passing his knowledge on to the next generation of automotive apprentices. Click here to read more.
Felicity is a qualified parts interpreter with over 20 years in the automotive industry. She possesses a strong passion for customer service and holds a Certificate III in Automotive Sales. Her knowledge stems from a wide breadth of experience in the field, from customer service roles to becoming a spare parts manager for Southeast Queensland. Felicity has shown great interest in becoming an automotive teacher and hopes to use the scholarship to advance her career in this direction. Click here to read more.
Jack is an experienced light vehicle technician with over 18 years in the trade. He holds various qualifications including a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning, Certificate II in Small Business Management, as well as both Battery Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Sets. Jack is extremely passionate about sharing his knowledge with others and believes becoming an automotive trainer is the next step in his professional journey. Click here to read more.
Sharine Milne, also known as ‘Spanner,’ is the owner and head mechanic of R.H.D Classic Supplies and Services, a motorcycle service and repair shop in Townsville. She is a qualified mechanic and parts interpreter and holds a Certificate II and Certificate III in office administration and a Certificate V in management. Spanner has worked in the industry for almost 20 years, owning her own business for the last 10. While she already provides on-the-job work experience to apprentices, Spanner hopes to use this scholarship to build upon her skills and deliver a higher quality of training. Click here to read more.
Tim McRae is a qualified light vehicle mechanic who has worked in the industry for over 25 years, owning and managing workshops for the last 17. Currently the owner of Carline Automotive, a mechanical workshop in Bundaberg, Tim hopes to keep both his staff and customers satisfied by offering high-quality service. He has trained many apprentices during his time and is extremely passionate about sharing his knowledge. Click here to read more.
Cail Parsons is the owner and operator of Peak Automotive Solutions, a mobile repair business based in North Brisbane. A qualified mechanic with nearly 20 years of experience, Cail currently holds a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis, and Certificate II in Air-Conditioning Technology, as well as training in battery and hybrid electric vehicle repair. Now, Cail is ready to give back to the industry by sharing his skills and knowledge with the next generation of automotive professionals.
Dallas Sykes is a qualified light and heavy vehicle mechanic who was worked in the automotive industry for just short of 30 years. During this time, he has held many roles, from mechanic to service advisor, through to his current position as Service Manager at Western Truck Group in Toowoomba. In this role, he manages a heavy vehicle workshop employing over 40 staff under his direct supervision. Dallas has trained many apprentices over the years and is extremely passionate about sharing his knowledge. He hopes to use the TAE to further progress his skills and offer high-quality training to his staff.
Sienna Whiting is a qualified automotive refinisher with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. She spent the last three years with Jonkers Smash Repairs, taking the role of paint shop foreman in early 2022 where she managed a team of three, including one apprentice. Sienna believes that becoming an automotive trainer is the next step in her career and is extremely excited to begin this new chapter of her life. While she already provides on-the-job work experience to apprentices, Sienna hopes to use this scholarship to build upon her skills and deliver a higher quality of training.
Joshua Norris is a qualified technician who has worked in the industry for over 9 years. After completing his apprenticeship with Renault, he attended the Renault Academy in Melbourne where he became Head Technician for six years. Joshua worked for various companies, including Ford and BMW, before joining West Star Mercedes, where he has remained for the last two years. A hard-working individual, Joshua is committed to becoming a great automotive trainer, always striving to do his best.

Rhys Purkis is a light vehicle mechanic, currently completing his second qualification in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Western Truck Group in Rockhampton. Having mentored many apprentices in his role, Rhys has developed an enthusiasm for helping his team progress and hopes to use the TAE to further hone his skills.

Kendra Coles is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and former workshop controller from the Gold Coast. Impressing with her passion for passing on experience and knowledge to young entrants finding their way in the industry, Kendra is excited to learn new techniques and skills to assist her in teaching the next generation. 

Darren Stout is a motorcycle mechanic from Rising Sun Townsville. With 32 years experience in the automotive industry, Darren hopes the Trainer Scholarship will enable him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of the Rising Sun Townsville team.