[CDU eNews] - HEAVY METAL DONATION TO CHARLES DARWIN UNI

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Heavy metal donation for Trades School

Diesel mechanic apprentices currently studying at Charles Darwin University
have received a boost with a $60,000 corporate donation from a leading
Territory company.

Hastings Deering (Australia) has donated an electronically controlled
automatic transmission gearbox that the apprentice mechanics will work on
as part of their studies for a Certificate III in Automotive or Heavy
Vehicle Earth Moving.

The Hastings Deering Group of companies sells, services and supports a
complete range of Caterpillar heavy equipment used in mining, construction,
forestry, agricultural, materials handling and government sectors.

The huge gearbox is used in the Caterpillar's current earthmoving equipment
range. It was officially donated yesterday by Hasting Deering NT branch
manager Mark Neale and accepted on behalf of the university by
Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett.

David Ewing, coordinator of the Heavy Vehicle Program in the School of
Trades at the university, said: "Hasting Deering is our largest private
employer of apprentices and gives us great support.

"They start three new apprentices with us every year and currently have 12
apprentices with us.  Their apprentices always rate in our top group of
students. Hasting Deering also conducts its own 'in-house' training
program, so the apprentices receive excellent overall training."

Mr Ewing said the company had donated equipment totalling $50,000 in value
in recent years, including a complete six-cylinder diesel engine, a power
shift transmission, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinder rods and fuel
injection pumps.

"The School of Trades currently has 120 apprentices in courses covering
Certificate III in Heavy Road transport, Certificate III in Heavy Earth
Moving and Certificate II in Service," Mr Ewing said.

"We have had a steady increase in apprentices in the past three years with
an enrolment of 40 new apprentices for 2005 compared to 25 for 2004.

"The School of Trades on its own initiative has raised funds of $40,000 in
the past three years for new service tools by selling old resource material
and engaging with industry to take on components rebuilt by students and
lecturers.

"We have spent extensive time in rewriting course material in consultation
with industry to improve and update delivery and current trends.

"We have an excellent rapport with industry, as illustrated by this
donation from Hasting Deering."


David Ewing is available for interview

Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

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