In the first week of December the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) held its final Auto Camp for 2018. Launched in July, the initiative to introduce young people to the automotive industry has proved to be a tremendous success with high school students from across greater Brisbane gathering in the MTA Institute’s Sir Jack Brabham Centre of Excellence, a $10million state of the art facility at Eight Mile Plains to complete the three-day program.

Daniel Geraghty, a 16-year-old student from the Queensland Pathway College and Mia Vojacek, a 15-year-old student from Stuartholme School were some of the students in attendance.

“I’ve more than enjoyed the Auto Camp,” said Daniel.

“I’m now 100 per cent sure this is what I’m going to pursue next year, and I’m particularly interested in the mechanical side of things”.

Mia joined the course after having her own interest in the automotive industry and has come away with a wealth of new knowledge.

“In the three days of Auto Camp we’ve learnt the preparation required in painting a car and the detail that goes into it, we’ve had an introduction to engines and learnt about the components behind an engine and also how to build a battery voltage monitor”.

And although Auto Camp is designed as an introduction course to all things automotive/mobility, the course is also incredibly beneficial to those that already have some knowledge.

“I came into the course with a keen interest in all things mechanical and a fair idea on how an engine operates” said Daniel.

“But my favourite part, by far, was the introduction to engines.

“Although I already knew some stuff, it was so good to have a professional tell you exactly what is, what isn’t and how it all works together.

“Auto Camp was really enjoyable for me, and the teachers were great, they were all so professional and knowledgeable”.

Despite the fact that Daniel and Mia are only high school students, it seems they both are taking the necessary steps to ensure they end up in the industry they love.

“I’m currently completing my Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation through school” Dan said.

“I’ve been seriously considering the automotive industry for quite some time, so when a teacher recommended Auto Camp to me, I thought why not, and it’s been great, it’s really helped me to realise that I’m going down the right path”.

As for Mia, she went on to say, “next year I’m hoping to do an accelerate course in automotive and receive a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation at the end.

“I’m also doing a Diploma of Business, so I hope to one day have my own workshop business.

“I would definitely recommend Auto Camp to other high school students.

“I love working with my hands, and it’s such a hands-on course which is so different to normal school where the focus is more on theory”.

Find out more about Auto Camp HERE

17 Dec 2018