Two automotive professionals are set to advance their careers in the training sector, with the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) announcing the recipients of its 2024 VET Trainer Scholarship.
This year’s recipients are Lachlan Riddel from ChipTorque and Courtney Miles from Eagers Automotive Parts.
Riddel is a qualified light vehicle technician with over 40 years in the automotive industry.
He was named Apprentice of the Year by the Rotary Club of Geebung in 1988, before winning Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year in 1989 and becoming a bronze finalist for the Australian Apprentice of the Year Award.
Shortly after, he received a scholarship from the Queensland Overseas Foundation, which enabled him to gain international experience for 15 months in England with a company specialising in aftermarket tuning.
After returning to the Gold Coast in 1993, he established ChipTorque, focusing on engine management products and tuning services. Riddel has contributed to various significant projects during his career, including collaborating with Mazda Australia’s sports cars, Bullet Cars, and Absolute Pace Supercars.
He aims to use the VET Trainer Scholarship to impart his knowledge to aspiring automotive professionals.
“Through my experience in motorsport support, wholesale trade, and retail sales with ChipTorque, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge in this industry. I believe it’s time to give back and share what I’ve learned with others,” he says.
Miles is a qualified parts interpreter at Eagers Automotive Parts in Pinkenba.
With a robust background in sales within the automotive sector, Miles began her career as a parts interpreter with the McGrath Auto Group in 2008. She has since gained valuable experience working with Repco and Supercheap, along with holding a senior parts specialist
Mile’s long-standing goal is to pursue her TAFE, and she is thrilled to continue her growth within the industry.
“I’m very patient and love to assist others in learning about this industry. I believe this scholarship will support me in achieving my long-term objectives while helping to shape future automotive specialists,” Miles says.
Through the scholarship, Riddel and Miles can undertake their TAE40122 – Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification fully funded, a program valued at $3,000.
This course equips participants with skills and knowledge related to designing, conducting, and assessing VET training, facilitating learning in diverse settings, and evaluating the effectiveness of various learning programs.
“MTA Queensland is dedicated to advancing the careers of individuals in the automotive industry. To date, we have supported twelve individuals through our scholarship program. As the automotive sector faces essential skills shortages, it is crucial to have motivated individuals like Lachlan and Courtney expand their expertise to train the next generation of automotive professionals,” MTA Queensland chief executive Rod Camm says.
The VET Trainer Scholarship is available twice a year to trade-qualified professionals in the Queensland automotive industry. The next round will open on February 1, 2025.
