Head start for motor trainee

By Ed Merrison
FOR Dean Monik, dreams of life in the fast lane are on the road to being realised thanks to a Ferntree Gully apprenticeship.
To check on his progress, Federal Aston MP Chris Pearce, parliamentary secretary to Treasurer Peter Costello, paid 17-year-old Dean a visit last week.
The visit, on Tuesday, 18 April, was organised by Group Training Australia (GTA) in conjunction with Workplace Connect, the groups responsible for placing Mr Monik with host employer G.J. and C.P. Cairns Porsche on Burwood Highway.
According to GTA chief executive Jim Barron, the purpose of the visit was to encourage greater Government understanding of apprenticeships and increased investment in success stories such as Dean’s.
“2006 is an important year for the Group Training Network,” Mr Barron said.
“We are looking forward to working with government, business and schools to address Australia’s response to the current national skills shortage.
“I am encouraged by Chris Pearce’s visit and his commitment in the area of vocational training,” he said.
Dean, a second year certificate III light vehicle apprentice, is the 11th apprentice to come through the doors of G.J. and C.P. Cairns Porsche during the business’s 30-year history in Knox.
A love of motor racing means Dean could not be happier with his placement.
“I reckon I’m lucky to find a decent place, a good family business. It’s good working in a small workshop – you get a lot more hands-on experience than anywhere else.
“I can already pull down a gear box and just about rebuild it, and I can pull down engines. At the end of four years, hopefully, I should be able to do anything I need to,” he said.
Dean, who heads to Tasmania with work this week to see the cars in action, would like to one day work with V8 Supercars or else ply his trade in Europe.
“If you’re willing to work hard, you can pretty much find work anywhere,” he said.
Mr Pearce said Dean’s case represented a win-win situation for apprentice and employer.
“I think it’s amazing. Here you are in a workshop in Knox doing such fantastic, specialist work.
“Here’s a 17-year-old man who, by the time he’s 19, is going to be a fully qualified motor mechanic.
“It shows what the program can achieve with a great employer and a keen, dedicated apprentice,” he said.