Executive Dean - Engineering & Applied Technologies, Danny Reilly, says the result is a testament to the programmes UCOL offers.
“’We ensure our programmes align with workforce demand, which this outcome has highlighted.
“Having students gain jobs and apprenticeships before their programme finishes demonstrates the content they’re learning transfers directly to employment, and the quality of graduates UCOL produces is sought after by employers.”
Doing his study practicum with Norwood before securing an apprenticeship with the company, Palatchie says the automotive programme got him to where he is now.
“The programme was awesome. We learnt a bit of everything, and the tutors were always around to help out. There were heaps of online resources too, which made learning a lot easier.”
“Working hard at UCOL and doing work experience every week has paid off with me securing an apprenticeship in an area I’ve loved ever since I was young, when I tagged along with my dad when he was an automotive field tech,” says Palatchie.
After enjoying work experience with Scania, Pedley says he took the plunge and arranged a meeting with the manager to discuss the possibility of becoming an employee, which resulted in him receiving a full-time position starting at the end of the month.
“It shows that if you get the study work done before it piles up, take opportunities that you’re offered, and make opportunities, such as I did with my work experience, it pays off big time.”
Pedley says he’s grateful to family and friends who recommended he study at UCOL.
“I only heard good things from them about the courses UCOL offers, and I can see why. I really enjoyed learning how to strip down and rebuild engines into a running state, which is a skillset I’ll be able to use in my new job,” says Pedley.
Relishing automotive as a subject at high school last year, Riley says deciding to pursue his passion for cars and further his skills by doing the UCOL programme has been key to kick-starting his career.
“Having such an amazing and knowledgeable tutor and how he encouraged and pushed me along with my work was a huge help, plus my classmates were super helpful and supportive, which made the entire environment a really good place to learn.”
“I really enjoyed all the different modules we had to complete and how they all had different difficulties and challenges.”
After securing a part-time position with Kelvin Grove Auto Centre, Riley says he’s thrilled to join the team, especially after the effort he put into his work experience with the company.
“I enjoyed every part of my work placement with them. I made sure I showed up on time, was organised and prepared to work on anything thrown at me.”
Underway with his apprenticeship with PTS Logistics, Riddell-Hansen says UCOL made it easy to take the first steps to building a career in an industry he’s always been interested in.
“The whole application process was really easy, and all of my lecturers were supportive. They were always ready to help whenever needed.”
“I have lots of family members on my dad’s side who are mechanics, so I knew from a young age I wanted to work with bigger vehicles like trucks and tractors when I was older.”
He says the UCOL programme has led to him working in his favourite area of automotive.
‘I enjoyed learning about engine systems and drive lines the most during the programme, and now I’m getting to use the skills I gained with the work I’m doing at PTS Logistics.”
Automotive Lecturer Tema Ala'ifaiva says being a part of that students’ success has been extremely rewarding.
“I’m really proud of them and how far they’ve come. They have lived and breathed the programme, applying themselves incredibly well and prioritising their study around work experience and other commitments.
“Like the Chinese emperor quoted, ‘a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step’, and these ākonga took that first step in their journey to build a career in the automotive industry by doing the programme, and it’s paid dividends.
“UCOL lecturers are passionate about ensuring ākonga are work-ready with the skills businesses are looking for, and this has really shone through with these three students.”