News & Events
ACE Launches Workplace Program at Conference Event and Teacher Receives Inaugural National Teaching Award
18 May 2011
TAFE teachers from around Australia have visited Capital S.M.A.R.T's Hallam centre for a firsthand look at S.M.A.R.T's industry leading technology and work practices.
38 teachers who are attending the 20th National Biennial Vehicle Body TAFE Teachers Conference in Melbourne held a cocktail party ahead of the official conference dinner.
Capital S.M.A.R.T Chief Executive Norman Moss said it was significant that educational institutions recognised what had been achieved at S.M.A.R.T.
"Our Chief Operating Officer Jim Vais started out as an apprentice at the age of 14 and went on to set up his own collision repair business and he is determined to bring youth and passion into S.M.A.R.T centres," Mr Moss said.
"We have embarked on a relationship with Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence to launch a S.M.A.R.T. technician traineeship. We are also investigating partnering with TAFE in other states as well as setting up our own training academy where students would complete this Certificate 2 program in Vehicle Body Repairs with an emphasis on S.M.A.R.T. techniques and processes."
"Jim believes that it is very important to give back to the industry which is why S.M.A.R.T is working with TAFE to provide hands-on experience working, with world's best practice technology," Mr Moss said.
"We also think it is important for TAFE teachers and students to see how S.M.A.R.T centres lead the industry in sustainability as we use less power, have embraced water based paint and generate less CO2 emissions."
Also launched on the night at Capital S.M.A.R.T. was the inaugural Vehicle Body TAFE Teachers Conference Excellence Award.
Aptly named the Squizzy Taylor Award for its first recipient ACE panel beating teacher Graham "Squizzy" Taylor, the award will be presented at each conference to a Vehicle Body teacher.
Auto Body Manager, Cassie Smith, introduced the award to the conference and said that each award recipient should reflect the qualities that epitomise the new age of TAFE teachers; teamwork, student support, excellence in teaching and integrity.
"Squizzy is a long standing member of the Kangan and TAFE fraternity and exhibits all those qualities and more."
Capital S.M.A.R.T. owner Jim Vais presented the Award to Squizzy, recalling his own days at Richmond under the tutelage of the Panel Beating department including Squizzy himself.
After 40 years of teaching, Squizzy has recently retired and whilst looks forward to enjoying his recreational time, still spends a couple of days a week as a casual teacher in the Automotive Centre of Excellence's panel beating department.
