Automotive VETiS Student Kickstarts his way to a Brilliant Career
12 December 2005
Year 12 Whittlesea Secondary student Andrew Pollard thought he was in trouble when he got called to the principal's office a few weeks ago.
So it was a pleasant surprise for the Heathcote Junction student when told he had won a Federal Government Australian Vocational Student Prize for his outstanding achievements in Certificate II in Automotive Technology.
The Vocational Student Prize celebrates the achievements of the nation's outstanding vocational education students, and was created this year to complement the existing Federal Government's Australian Student Prize.
Andrew, who has since finished his VCE studies, studied his VET in Schools certificate through Kangan Batman TAFE.
One of the few students from Melbourne's Northern region to win, Andrew will receive a certificate and $2000 from the Hon. Fran Bailey, MP in an official ceremony on 15 December.
Kangan Batman TAFE teacher, Paul Ollason, described by Andrew as 'grouse,' taught the budding motor mechanic at the Whittlesea Secondary College site once a week.
'Andrew's got a very bright future in automotive,' said Mr Ollason. 'He was an unassuming type, but was very attentive and picked up concepts quickly.'
Andrew said his love for cars stemmed beyond working under the bonnet.
'I wouldn't mind doing automotive engineering to get into motorsport,' said the eighteen-year-old.
At the moment, Andrew is waiting to hear back from a major car manufacturer about a possible apprenticeship offer.
Whittlesea Secondary College nominated Andrew for his outstanding achievements in automotive.
College Principal, Avril Salter, said it was a joint achievement for the College and Kangan Batman TAFE.
'This win celebrates the strong, ongoing partnership we have with Kangan Batman TAFE,' said Ms Salter. 'We had a great deal of support from the Institute when we prepared our nomination for Andrew.'
