Living with disability has not stopped 18-year-old Massimo Zurzolo from forging a career in what he loves – automotive mechanics and technology.
His commitment to success in the industry has been recognised, with the Kangan Institute automotive apprentice named the Apprenticeship Employment Network’s (AEN) inaugural Disability Achievement Award winner in February.
Mr Zurzolo, who is deaf and wears Cochlear Implants, said the award recognised the potential for people living with a disability to succeed in their chosen fields.
“I feel very honoured to win the prestigious award Disability Achievement Award at the AEN awards night,” said Mr Zurzolo.
“The award gives me a great sense of achievement and pride. I feel that this award will provide more opportunities (for people with a disability) and is an acknowledgement that people with a disability can do anything.”
Currently employed in the BMW #NextTech Mentored Apprenticeship Program with NextGen Jobs and BMW Group Australia, Mr Zurzolo is enrolled in Kangan Institute’s Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Mr Zurzolo said a strong support network was a key factor in his success.
“I would like to thank my employers NextGen Jobs and BMW #NextTech, my mentor Mark D’ Aversa, my teacher Michael Valastro from Kangan Institute, and my family and friends for their support and guidance,” he said.
“Kangan Institute provides extra support for students with disability, but I haven’t needed to use this service because of the quality of training that has been provided to me.
“My training has been flexible and tailored to me. My teacher Michael has been open and willing to adapt his training by understanding that lip reading is important, with no hands over his mouth and with clear speech.”
A strong interest in cars – from their mechanics and design to engineering – sparked Mr Zurzolo’s determination to pursue a career in the automotive industry. The journey was at times challenging, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions, but the young apprentice stayed positive and focused on his goals.
“During the COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, my workplace closed, so I did extra TAFE work online, including undertaking more units of study, to upskill my knowledge,” he shared.
“I have found online TAFE classes isolating and Zoom meet up classes challenging because of my deafness. Accessing all the information can be difficult because there are no subtitles and limited lip reading.
“I overcame the challenge by moving forward, having hope and being positive. I successfully completed all the units and was recognised by my teacher for this effort. I have gained motivation throughout my apprenticeship to ask lots of questions and learn as much as possible.”
Mr Zurzolo’s award win is the latest in a string of accolades. He was recognised in 2021 as a finalist for the Victorian School-based Apprentice and Trainee of the Year and awarded Kangan Institute’s 2020 Apprentice of the Year for Automotive - School Based.