LSH Auto Australia and WPC Group launch ADVANCE - The Future of Automotive Training

“Do you want to live life in the fast lane? – If this sounds like you, it is time to ADVANCE.

LSH Auto Australia, Australia’s leading Mercedes-Benz retail group, in partnership with WPC Group and Kangan Institute, this week launched the future of automotive training – the ADVANCE Accelerated Apprenticeship Program.

ADVANCE is a bespoke accelerated apprenticeship program available exclusively to LSH Auto Australia apprentices. ADVANCE utilises a number of innovative learning and skills development practices to order to enable participants to obtain a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology qualification in just 2.5 years!

The program was launched Monday at the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, in front an audience of participating apprentices, industry practitioners, automotive training professionals and industry stakeholders.

The ADVANCE Accelerated Apprenticeship Program brings together three acknowledged industry leaders – LSH Auto Australia, group training organisation WPC Group, and the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence – to deliver a cutting-edge apprenticeship experience customised to Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge vehicles.

ADVANCE will provide apprentices with one-on-one mentoring, access to specialised Mercedes-Benz equipment and tooling and Mercedes-Benz Electrical Vehicle training, in order to provide participating apprentices with a fantastic opportunity to become a fully qualified Mercedes-Benz technician and secure a rewarding career with LSH Auto Australia.

LSH Auto Australia is proud to launch the ADVANCE Accelerated Apprenticeship Program, and to continue LSH Auto’s tradition of pioneering innovative new programs that will transform the industry, increase staff retention, and ultimately create dynamic pathways for the leaders of our future,” said Briar Ferguson, Head of Strategic Aftersales, LSH Auto Australia

The ADVANCE Accelerated Apprenticeship Program has received strong support from LSH Auto Australia dealers: The inaugural ADVANCE intake has already commenced with 12 apprentices from a range of diverse backgrounds in Victoria already operating in the workshop.

The launch event also highlighted the close collaboration between LSH Auto Australia, Kangan Institute and WPC Group, a Group Training Organisation (GTO) and apprenticeship market leader focused on creating innovative apprenticeship pathways for emerging technology-driven occupations.

“The ADVANCE Accelerated Apprenticeship Program is a triumph of collaboration and shows what can be achieved by working closely with industry and educators,” said Andrew Sezonov, WPC Group General Manager. “Partnering with LSH Auto Australia and Kangan Institute is fantastic, and we are confident that places in this accelerated program will be sought after for many years to come.”

“We developed ADVANCE to encourage young Australians to take a closer look at the automotive career opportunities which are available via apprenticeship.

One of the first apprentices to be enrolled in the program, Georgia Ely has said that she is excited and privileged to be part of the ADVANCE Accelerated program, “I’m keen to expand my knowledge and work alongside an amazing company to help me through the next two and half years in my qualification and my goal of becoming a qualified technician.”

For more information about the ADVANCE program, visit www.wpcgroup.org.au/advance/