Be a workforce that seeks excellence and innovation
– Matt St Jack working on an outboard at Hideaway Bay –
Matt St Jack: From Sweeping Floors to Automotive Marine Technology Apprentice of the Year Huon Aquaculture’s Matt St Jack has taken out the Kangan Institute’s coveted Automotive Marine Technology Apprentice of the Year, and Automotive Inspirational Student of the Year awards. Matt began at Huon three years ago as a Trades Assistant sweeping floors and seized the opportunity to upskill. “I started sweeping the floors in the workshop which gave me the foot in the door that I needed. One thing led to another and I spoke to Mandy, who works in HR, about some more work and she asked if I was interested in doing an outboard apprenticeship.”
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“It was too good of an opportunity to pass up so here I am today!” Matt completed his apprenticeship with Victoria’s Kangan Institute, during which it was clear that he had a talent for the course.
– “I’ve always been interested in being an outboard mechanic but if you had asked me 10 years ago if I was going to be one, I probably would have laughed.” – Matt credits his success to being older and having some life experience which gave him the motivation to excel.
“I guess being a bit older with a bit more life experience helps—as opposed to a lot of the kids straight out of school that go into it. Having a mortgage and a wife and kids also puts the pressure on to provide and do the right thing.” “In a nutshell, receiving these awards is a nice way to have my efforts recognised.” Matt’s advice to people interested in starting an apprenticeship is to not underestimate the importance of the gift of the gab.
– “My advice is that the teachers are really good, but they are swamped, so talk to as many people that you can to show them that you are interested and motivated.” – “Once you do this, you will pick up some absolute pearlers from the teachers which is the real reason to do an apprenticeship,” finished Jack.
THE HUON STORY | Huon Aquaculture | Edition Four
