Congratulations to our very own Andrew Shipp, who was recently presented with an Award certificate as student of the month at the MTA institute of Technology. We are very proud of Andrew's achievements and grateful to have him as part of our family of workers.

A third year apprentice, Andrew Ship is going for a qualification in Certificate 111 Light Vehicle, and has made a remarkable turnaround since restarting his training with his current employer. "Whilst at the previous employer Andrew lost all passion and confidence in himself and gave up all hope in completing his apprenticeship, so he resigned", said MIT Technical Trainer, Gerry Grobler. "After a couple of weeks he managed to get a second chance with Maryborough Service Centre. He started getting confidence again and became determined to finish his apprenticeship, which was still midway in the second year". "On my first visit I could see the change in Andrew, as we did the welding unit Andrew would come to work early to practice, he built his own bike trailer! After we did the fuel systems unit, he went home and stripped and repaired his motorcycle carby," explained Grobler. "Since Andrew has restarted his apprenticeship, his workbooks are completed before time; he pushes me for more work and regularly stays after work to help the other mechanics complete their jobs". "

All credit to his boss, Daryn Brims, and his mentor, Jason McGowan. They do all the right things with respect to Andrew's training," Grobler added. After the disastrous experience with his first employer, restarting his apprenticeship came from a tip off from a family friend. Shipp was back to work shortly thereafter at the Repco Authorised Service Centre. "I rang up and Daryn said to "come in for an interview", which I did and was offered a new start," explained Shipp. "It was the cleanest workshop I had ever seen," he added. "I like working on cars and I get a lot of help here as the teamwork is something I really appreciate". "I've always had a knack for this work and over the past year, Daryn has given me freedom to develop my skills - the employer support I get for my training is something I never got before I came here," Shipp added. Outside of work, Shipp enjoys freestyle motocross training, which he has been participating in for the past eight years. His passion for this sport is such that three broken ribs, dislocated fingers and regular body thrashings are no obstacles to his desire to excel. Andrew Shipp's innate drive to pursue what is right for him will undoubtedly take him anywhere in life that he would like to go.