Two aspiring automotive mentors will have the opportunity to enhance their credentials and upskill, with the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) delighted to announce that Round 1 of the 2024 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Trainer Scholarship has been awarded to Darren Stout and Kendra Coles.
A 32-year veteran of the industry, Darren is from Rising Sun Townsville and holds a motorcycle mechanical technology qualification. With a wealth of experience in the trade, Darren hopes the Trainer Scholarship will enable him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of the Rising Sun Townsville team.
“Winning the scholarship means a lot, as becoming a Cert IV Trainer Assessor is something I have talked about completing for years. It will enable me to pass on some of the experience and knowledge I have gained to the new generation coming through,” said Darren.
Kendra is a qualified light vehicle mechanic and former workshop controller from the Gold Coast. After impressing with a passion for passing on experience and knowledge to young entrants finding their way in the automotive industry exhibited in her nomination, MTA Queensland is excited to announce that Kendra will be joining the MTA Queensland team, supporting the Industry Initiatives team in providing support and mentorship to apprentices and other MTA Institute (RTO. 31529) students.
“I am looking forward to being able to upskill myself so that I can use different techniques to pass my knowledge on to those who are showing the same passion for the automotive industry that I have. The automotive industry is always evolving and the opportunity to become a trainer means we can both learn together on new technology as it advances,” said Kendra.
Darren and Kendra will now be eligible to undertake the TAE40122 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, valued at over $3,000. This course delivers skills and knowledge related to designing, conducting, and assessing VET training, as well as knowledge on how to facilitate learning in various conditions and evaluate the impacts of various learning programs.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said, “MTA Queensland is committed to progressing the careers of those within the industry and to date has supported eleven individuals through our scholarship program. With the automotive industry continuing to experience critical skills shortages, it is important to have ambitious individuals such as Kendra and Darren expand their knowledge to help deliver training to the next generation of the automotive workforce.”
The VET Trainer Scholarship is offered twice per year to trade-qualified automotive professionals employed in the Queensland automotive industry, with the next round opening 1 August 2024. For more information, visit mtaq.com.au/mtaq-vet-trainer-scholarship.
12 April 2024