Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Wins K.T. WymanNorth American Scholarship - Brisbane, QLD
Mercedes-Benz Brisbane automotive apprentice Mikaela Lawrence, 23, says she was humbled by the decision of WPC Group to award her with a cultural and career development scholarship in September. The program, based in the United States of America, educates apprentices in how Mercedes-Benz America applies their skills and expertise in automotive.
Mikaela Lawrence will be winning the Kim. T. Wyman North American Scholarship for Skills Excellence. Kim Wyman supported the WPC Group in a pro bono capacity from 2006-2015. He was actively involved in developing the company’s national and international footprint, spearheading the work the group did with the Workforce Development Agency in South East Asia. Kim was a Psychologist by occupation, who worked with organizations including the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, Caulfield Institute, and The Melbourne Division of General Practice. In 1972, he led a research delegation of IT and technology pioneers to the United States of America.
After being unable to gain an automotive apprenticeship, Mikaela made the decision to study an entry-level automotive course at TAFE Queensland, which greatly increased her chances of being accepted for an apprenticeship.
“I did a hairdressing apprenticeship and kept trying to get into mechanics, sending out all those applications. Hairdressing was a backup that I ended up doing for six years. Right now, I’m very happy with working on light vehicles and who knows where life takes you. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored working as a light vehicle technician.”
Mercedes-Benz Brisbane, a member of LSH Auto Australia and part of the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz dealer network, Lei Shing Hong Auto International Group, has a strong commitment to developing their staff and supporting apprenticeship programs such as WPC Group’s.
“Skill development is one of LSH Auto’s core brand values and we work very closely with WPC and other apprenticeship programs to ensure that we are supporting, educating and developing young apprentices looking to break into the automotive industry.” says John Good, Managing Director of LSH Auto Australia,
“Mikaela is a great example of how both LSH and Mercedes-Benz Brisbane are investing in young talent. Mikaela was given this opportunity based on merit and she has proven herself to be a major asset to our business. We look forward to Mikaela growing within the business beyond her apprenticeship.”
Mikaela’s Service Manager Scott Newman also spoke to Mikaela’s dedication and hard work, saying,
“Mikaela’s work ethic and initiative is extremely commendable and is a testament to her. The attitude she displays daily is second to none and it is a pleasure having her in the workplace. Her drive and ambition to learn and grow through asking questions and completing training is great to see. Feedback from her TAFE studies are always excellent and certainly sets a precedent for the other apprentices around her.”
Bianka Chiodo and Fearghus Von Prott, also from LSH Auto Australia dealerships, have been awarded scholarships and will join Mikaela in the United States in September.
The scholarship has been awarded since 2016 and is funded by the Workplace Institute throuh Skilling Australia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of WPC Group. Skilling Australia Foundation bridges the gap between unemployment and a meaningful career for disadvantaged young Australians.
The Workplace Institute will provide each apprentice:
Chaperone/mentor
Mercedes-Benz branded uniforms and protective equipment
Cover the costs of all flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, and insurances.
Mikaela says: “Without WPC and Skilling Australia Foundation, I wouldn’t have received this opportunity.”
Since 2000 , WPC has placed 266 apprentices and trainees with host employer, Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland. Most of them do light vehicle apprenticeships, but there are also business trainees and apprentices focusing on spare parts and spray painting
WPC Group could get you into gear for a rewarding apprenticeship with luxury car dealer, Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, Sydney or Queensland, a member of LSH Auto Australia. You’ll need to be serious though, as competition is turbo-charged.
For more info, visit https://www.wpcgroup.org.au/lsh-mercedes-australia/.
