The Frost Motor Group has handed over a 2006 Model Ford LTD to Charles Darwin University (CDU), for use in training apprentices in the automotive trades.
The LTD is the pride of the Ford Fleet and it will be put to the exclusive use of trainees and apprentices at CDU. This donation is the culmination of extensive lobbying efforts of local Ford Dealer, Daryl Frost, who has been involved in training people in the motor trades for over two decades and served on the boards of group training companies.
"It is critical that we continue to train local people to fill skilled positions here in Darwin," Mr Frost said.
"We currently employ seven technicians from the Philippines because it is so difficult to recruit suitably qualified locals. Now that we have sufficient specialised, qualified staff on hand we have been able to take on more new apprentices.
“Young people embarking on a four year program to become trades people need to know that their place of employment has qualified personnel to mentor and train them.
"I am happy to have organised this donation to CDU. I think that it’s important to give young people the right tools and equipment to prepare for their career as trades people. This state of the art car with all its bells and whistles should be a great addition to the classroom," said Mr Frost.
The vehicle was built as a prototype for testing and evaluation and instead of having the vehicle destroyed, we negotiated with the Ford Motor Company to secure the motor vehicle for CDU.
CDU Vice Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett said: "This car will be used in all facets of training for the light automotive discipline, ranging from the mechanical systems such as steering, suspension and brakes, to advanced air-conditioning and the automatic transmission controlled by modern electronic technology that is evolving at a very fast rate. We are enormously appreciative of this donation.”
The Minister for Employment, Education and Training, Syd Stirling, welcomed the donation from the Frost Motor Group.
“It’s great to see local employers supporting our apprentices and trainees – as the Territory Government is – to help build a skilled workforce," said Mr Stirling.
“The Frost Motor Group should be congratulated for their commitment to the industry, and I thank them for their generosity.
“I recently announced $84 million for employment and training in this years’ Territory Budget. That includes $37 million for training at Charles Darwin University.
"This shows that training is a top priority for the Martin Government, and we will ensure that skilled workers are available into the future to expand and grow the economy."
Frost Motor Group also negotiated with the Ford Motor Company to have a Ford Fairmont Ghia delivered to the CDU in Alice Springs for training through the local Ford Dealership Centralian Ford at the end of June 2006. The total value of both of these motor vehicles is approximately $120,000 and shows the commitment by Ford to local training in the Northern Territory.