Ever since he was a young teenager Dane Mackie has always enjoyed tinkering with cars and watching the V8 Supercars on television.
“I love working on cars and couldn’t think of a better job to have as a full time career,” Dane said.
While it hasn’t always been a smooth ride for the former Noosa District State High School student, the dream of becoming a motor mechanic is now well and truly alive after Dane secured a full time position as a Trades Assistant with Ken Mills Toyota in Maroochydore.
BUSY At Work Employment Consultant Noosaville, Natalie McIvor said Dane had shown a true commitment to his career path and had taken job readiness steps to improve his chances of gaining an automotive apprenticeship in the near future.
Last year Dane was able to undertake the Transition to Work Services (TTW) through BUSY At Work and since then he hasn’t looked back.
The program is an Australian Government initiative, which provides intensive,
pre-employment support to improve the work readiness of young people and help them secure work (including apprenticeships and traineeships) or education.
“Throughout the program Dane was a willing and valuable participant. We worked closely with him on his interview techniques, presentation skills and resume writing and this helped give him motivation to take on extra study to improve his career opportunities,” Mrs McIvor said.
Driving up to Gympie twice a week to undertake study was never going to be a deterrent for Dane who has since completed a Certificate II in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology and a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology.
Prior to commencing his new role with Ken Mills Toyota earlier this month, BUSY’s TTW program also supported Dane by paying for lessons to help him obtain his manual driver’s licence.
Since joining the company, Dane has been kept busy working in the express maintenance bay learning how to perform a range of servicing operations on light and heavy vehicles.
If all goes well during his six-month probationary period, Dane is hoping to achieve his career goal of gaining an automotive apprenticeship.
“I am very excited and happy to be working full time. The staff here are always very helpful and it’s great to be doing something I really enjoy,” Dane added.
Natalie said the Transition to Work Services was about delivering high quality services to employers and ensuring young people were supported while looking for and settling into a job.
“Here at Noosaville we are very proud of Dane and that he has been able to obtain full time employment through this program.”
“It’s great to see such a positive and committed young person moving forward with his life and making good progress in his career as well,” Ms McIvor added.
BUSY At Work Managing Director Paul Miles, said it was pleasing to see young people being offered the chance to pursue their passion and make the transition into full time work.
“Dane is already well on the way to achieving success in his chosen career. He has demonstrated the commitment and persistence to take on job readiness programs and we wish him all the success for the future.”
“With the support of the Transition to Work Services we can help early school leavers overcome challenges and build a career pathway for the future,” Mr Miles said.
To participate in Transition to Work a young person must be aged between 15-21, have not finished Year 12 and be an Australian citizen. Students who are not receiving benefits but meet the criteria can also apply directly.
Wage subsidies of up to $10,000 are available for eligible candidates and currently some employees may also be eligible for a $20,000 youth boost payment.
For further details about the Transition to Work Services please contact BUSY At Work on 13 28 79 .
