Mark Barron is the Service Manager at Adelaide Hills Toyota. They have been an ongoing host company for many years and have successfully trained many Light Vehicle Motor Mechanics.

How long has your business been using Statewide Group Training?
Since 2007. We are currently the host business for 3 apprentices and employ 4 former Statewide Group Training apprentices who are now fully qualified. Since our partnership with Statewide Group Training began, we have hosted 12 apprentice mechanics.

What are the main benefits to you as a business in partnering with Statewide Group Training?
We've established a great relationship with Statewide Group Training and in particular, James. James understands our business needs and knows exactly what type of person we are looking for. He is also great at choosing someone who is suited to a small workshop environment.

Working with Statewide Group Training means we don't have to pay for advertising and run our own job ads. Instead of getting dozens of applications to go through, many who are not seriously wanting an apprenticeship, James finds and screens applications for us and sends us only resumes of those he thinks most suitable. From there we can choose and get James to arrange a one week work experience as a trial. If that goes well and all parties are happy to move ahead, James takes care of the formalites and the candidate starts a 3 month probation period. This again gives all parties the opportunity to reassess the relationship to make sure it's the right fit. We've never had an unsuitable apprentice but if we did, we have the flexibility of sending them back.

What's the ongoing relationship with Statewide Group Training like as a host business?
We try to take on one new apprentice every year with Statewide Group Training. We also like to employ people local to the community. James visits our premises every month to check on our apprentices and make sure everyone, including us, is happy.

All in all, we've had a great experience partnering with Statewide Group Training. It's been a beneficial relationship for both parties. We've been able to provide stable and professional employment for our apprentices, some who have remained with us after qualifying.

Once the apprenticeship finishes, and if both parties agree, the apprentice leaves the employment of Statewide Group Training and is then employed by us. From start to finish the entire process is smooth and hassle free.

 

The excerpt below from the St Francis de Sales College newsletter highlighted the successful placement of Thomas with one of our valued Host employers, Adelaide Hills Toyota:

"Thomas Phillips has recently commenced his automotive School Based Apprenticeship. Thomas is employed by Statewide Group Training (SA) Inc and his host employer is Adelaide Hills Toyota. Thomas has been working towards his goal of employment in the Automotive Industry for the past three years. Thomas starting with undertaking a VET course in Year 10. We wish Thomas every success with pursuing his goals and greatly appreciate local businesses, such as Adelaide Hills Toyota, who support our students.

Michelle Bloom VET Coordinator
Melissa Schubert Careers Coordinator"

Our Adelaide Hills Regional Manager, James Vaninetti, is rapt that Thomas is going to get a great career start with a business that is committed to its staff and customers at all times.
 

Article in the Plains Producer on Wednesday August 28 2019 highlighting the great partnership with our Host Employer, Mid North Motor Co. in Clare.

Graeme Swan is a real success story advancing from his Certificate 3 in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) to Diploma of Engineering Advanced Trade, thanks to the great support of Stephen Richter and Hugh Richter of SJ Cheesman.

Graeme remarked that he is excited with the skills and experience he is learning on the job whilst undertaking further study.

Statewide's Regional Manager for Spencer Gulf, Far North & Eyre, Tracy Northcott, highlighted we are proud to see local businesses investing to upskill local workforce and to see a career being advanced through Apprenticeships. Graeme is an outstanding dedicated Apprentice who is keen to succeed in his engineering career.

Caitlin Barnett (pictured) is currently undertaking and making a huge success of her School Based Traineeship, Certificate 3 in Business, with Host Employer Australian Red Cross Society whilst studying Year 12.

Australian Red Cross Society Regional Manager for Eyre Peninsula, Kerry Schubert, has heaped praise on the performance and commitment of Caitlin who has not missed a day of work since she commenced her administration role. Kerry states that Caitlin has proven to to be an extremely reliable, punctual, and happy, vibrant person who enjoys her job immensely and loves being mentored.

Caitlin is also a very proud Aboriginal woman and she interacts really well with the staff, volunteers and visitors at the Red Cross, freely admitting that she loves every part of her job, wearing her badge and uniform with great pride.

Kerry also says that Caitlin is a pleasure to have in the office and is always willing to assist others or to work on her own to complete tasks. 

Statewide's Regional Manager for Spencer Gulf, Far North & Eyre, Tracy Northcott, highlighted Caitlin has grown in confidence since commencing this Traineeship and it has been wonderful to see her challenge herself to achieve. We are proud to be part of the Australian Red Cross Society Traineeship program advancing our local youth!