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CAREERS
TOP MENTOR FOR THE TOP END
Shaun O’Brien is no stranger to the MTA, having completed his adult apprenticeship as a light vehicle technician last year. Now, as the Northern Territory’s new Apprentice Mentor, he’s helping to improve the retention of first-year automotive apprentices through building relationships and raising awareness of the MTA’s activity across the NT.
With nearly 80% of automotive apprentices abandoning their apprenticeship within the first 12 months, the MTA has launched the NT Apprentice Mentoring program. The program is a free support service available to all first-year automotive apprentices and their employers throughout the Northern Territory. Supported by the NT Government, apprentices engaged in the program will receive a face-to-face visit every 16 weeks, and more often if required for additional support. Since starting out in early March, mentor Shaun has already signed up 20 apprentices across a range of trades including light vehicle, heavy vehicle, mobile plant, paint and panel. “The feedback I’ve been getting from businesses is very positive and everyone is supportive of the program. They really like the idea of having someone taking the time with an apprentice and helping them with whatever they’ve got going on – particularly from an industry-specific organisation, with knowledge of the trade,” Shaun said. As most automotive apprentices complete their qualification through Charles Darwin University (CDU), Shaun has found just being present at trade school has helped with informing apprentices of the mentoring program and his role.
mtasant.com.au
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