REMONDIS Australia and TAFE NSW are partnering for an educational cause by supplying a waste truck and engine parts for heavy vehicle mechanic students.
The partnership has seen TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri receive a 2008 Volvo FM380 ‘Hooklift’ truck delivered from REMONDIS, along with engines and parts from other used trucks including transmissions and hydraulic gear.
REMONDIS maintenance manager, Peter Murray came up with the idea of supplying the waste collection workhouse.
With more than one million kilometres and clocking 34,000 operational hours, Murray had a lightbulb moment that the waste truck, sent for scrapping, could be given a second life at TAFE NSW.
“The truck and parts incorporate modern European technology, enabling mechanical students to broaden their skills and knowledge as relevant to the workforce,” he says.
TAFE NSW head teacher, Gavin Shields says many students will benefit from the REMONDIS partnership.
“We envisage we’ll get many years out of the trucks and parts, providing students with the opportunity to work on a modern machine that is being used in the industry,” he says.
“This is a terrific example of TAFE MSW partnering with industry to ensure that students finish with the best hands-on experience, which in turn boosts employment prospects.”
As a fourth-year heavy vehicle mechanic apprentice, Dylan Evans says he, as well as fellow TAFE NSW students, are looking forward to working on the new trucks and parts.
“A 16-year-old truck might sound old, but a lot of the components are modern and relevant,” he says.
“It’s a no brainer that the truck and parts can be put to such practical use.”
Evans says having these hands on skills with this kind of machinery will be sure to extend and advance their skills and employability.