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“Hands-on skills are limited without head knowledge as well."
Engineering student Andrew Colverson has completed his apprenticeship studies at record speed.
The 22-year-old finished three years of work in half the time and his efforts have paid off as he is a finalist in the 2007 Outstanding Student of the Year Awards.
Andrew, an apprentice at Gasco and completing the Certificate III in Engineering, said knowledge was power.
“It’s important to realise that learning is something we can never stop doing. An employer is looking for someone who stands out from the crowd,” he said.
He said he placed a high value on integrating on-the-job and off-the-job training.
“Hands-on skills are limited without head knowledge as well,” he said.
Andrew said engineering was a rapidly developing field.
“Specialisation and growth is all part of the future. It’s important to keep up-to-date with new technology and manufacturing trends and remain versatile in what you can do,” he said.
“I’ve already got my forklift license and in an effort to better my job prospects, I’m currently undertaking the Certificate IV in Mechanical Engineering Maintenance.
“I also hope to get welding qualifications and my confined space and elevated platform licenses as well as develop my understanding of gas burner technology.”
Andrew said the use of robotics technology in engineering was increasing.
“This area will become more and more specialised, with employers looking for higher quality tradesmen,” he said.
“Only the cream of the crop will do maintenance or outfitting work and that’s what I’m working towards.”
19 June 2007
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