Australia’s TAFE students will be
trained using the latest engines and automotive components, following Holden’s
donation of 326 four, six and eight cylinder engines worth over $1.5 million.
In what is believed to be the
largest single donation of its type, Holden provided the engines through the Automotive
Component Donation Program, coordinated by the national industry training advisory body,
Automotive Training Australia. Accepting the gift on behalf of TAFE institutes
Australia-wide, the Federal Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr David
Kemp, said Holden was helping to lay the foundation for the nation’s future
automotive manufacturing workforce.
| Holden's director of planning &
external affairs, Peter Thomas (left) with Meredith Sussex, director of the office of
Training and Further Education, and Dr David Kemp, Minister for Education, Training and
Youth Affairs. |
"Holden’s donation in the interests of education is at the leading edge
of helping to provide the best possible training to TAFE students on state-of-the-art
equipment," Dr Kemp said.
"It is an excellent example of how industry and training providers can work
together to ensure that a skilled workforce is being readied to meet requirements of the
future.
By taking responsibility for achieving a substantially higher level of student skills, the
Australian automotive industry can expect increased productivity and repair quality
directly benefiting consumers."
Holden’s Executive Director, Planning and External Affairs, Peter Thomas, said the
company had enjoyed a long and close association with TAFE institutes around Australia.
"Holden has an ongoing commitment to the training needs that are so essential to
elevating this country’s technical skills," he said.
"We are pleased to supply components and engines so that students may gain a hands-on
appreciation of the latest developments in advanced automotive systems design. Holden
recognises how important these skills are to maintaining competitiveness as a
manufacturing nation on the world stage.
"With Holden now exporting engines and vehicles in volume to markets around the
world, it is imperative that Australia’s skills base be continually advanced through
the supply of technologically up-to-date equipment and training methods. Holden’s
donation realises this aim and is a sound investment in the future of our industry."
Holden’s supply of 326 engines will allow the placement of one unit in each institute
with a curriculum that encompasses mechanical activities.
The engines donated are sourced from Holden’s engine operations, which has earned
Holden the title of Australia’s principal exporter of manufactured automotive
components largely through the sale of four-cylinder powerplants.
Manufactured at Fishermens Bend in Melbourne, Victoria, the Holden engine range
includes: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 litre double and single overhead cam engines; 3.8 litre
and Supercharged 3.8 litre V6 ECOTEC engines; 5.0 and 5.7 litre V8 engines.
