1. FEATURE ARTICLE | 27 February 2013
CASE STUDY: VACC AND PENFOLD MOTORS TAE 10 WORKPLACE SUPERVISORS COURSE
“Penfold Motors is totally committed to training, learning and
development of all employees for the future and longevity of the
Penfold group. They believe this will not only allow the company to
prolong their longevity in the industry, but also recognise that the
apprentices of today are our future leaders of tomorrow”.
Tony Foon, Penfold’s Aftersales Training and Development
Manager, was commenting on the success of training directed at
Penfold key staff involved with apprentice mentoring and
workplace training.
“Engaging the staff to participate in the program has enabled us to assist our staff not only in their skill
training, but essentially their well-being in the motor industry. The program will be an integral part of
motivating our apprentices to work to the best of their abilities, as well as the opportunity to be mentored
along their career path, providing clear directions and expectations throughout their apprenticeship at the
Penfold Motor Group”.
Penfold Motors has worked in conjunction with VACC and Kangan Institute to conduct an in house accredited
Apprentice Coaching and Mentoring program for the group during 2012. The program qualified for National
Workforce Development Fund support, and was organised with the assistance of VACC Education and Training
Advisor Jodee Price, working with Workforce Development staff from Auto Skills Australia (ASA).
The course was conducted in Penfold’s own private training facilities in Burwood over a period of three
months, with 12 participants. The participants ranged from Service Managers, workshop foremen, workshop
controllers and senior technicians from 6 different workshops currently employing 28 apprentices collectively.
The accredited units rom the TAE10 Workplace Supervisor Skill Set covered in training were Contribute to
Assessment, Provide Work Skill Instruction and Mentor in the Workplace.
Penfold Motor Group has recognised that by investing in their staffs future careers and personal development,
it is essentially investing in growing their business in the highly competitive automotive retail, service and
repair environment.
Tony went on to say: “understanding the principles and fundamentals of this training is an integral part of any
workplace and is strategically important for building the future of the group long term. The Apprentice
Mentoring Program will allow us the opportunity to further cement Penfold Motors dedication and
commitment to their employees training and development and to ensure that they are the employers of choice
in future years to come”.