For the first time, a Charles Darwin University (CDU) student will be selected to be part of the NRMA Insurance Smash Repair Team at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in October.
The lucky student will be announced in pit lane at Hidden Valley on Sunday. The student will be selected from a team of five CDU third year apprenticeship students working this weekend at SKYCITY Triple Crown V8 Supercars.
The team of five – including four CDU apprentices studying vehicle body repairs (panel beating) and one CDU automotive painting apprentice – are part of a national program, which gives apprentices from around Australia the opportunity to work as part of the smash repairs team at the V8 Supercars in their local city.
For each Championship Round, local panel and paint apprentices are selected to work as part of the NRMA Insurance Smash Repairs team. One student is then selected to participate in the national team at Bathurst. This will be the first year a Darwin apprentice has been selected to be part of the national team.
CDU coordinator of panel and paint, Grant Mauger said this was a one-of-a-kind experience for the apprentices.
‘It’s an exceptional opportunity for our apprentices,’ he said. ‘Throughout the weekend they will be exposed to new techniques, materials and equipment and gain new skills that will help them in their trade.’
‘The students work really hard, but it's also a big reward for them,' he said. 'As well as the learning experience, the apprentices also get the chance to see the V8 Supercars in a way many others never do. Many of the drivers come down to check on their cars and have a chat to the team, it’s a really great buzz for the students.
‘This experience also gives the apprentices important skills in teamwork,’ Grant said. ‘The student selected to work on the team at Bathurst will be selected not necessarily for being the smartest, or best, but will be selected for their willingness to work as part of a team.’
The students will be at work in the NRMA Insurance Smash Repairs Trailer at Hidden Valley this weekend, with announcement of which student will go to Bathurst being made on Sunday morning. For more information contact Grant Mauger on 8946 6280 or 0400 488 728.