The tours were organised with the assistance of the Local Community Partnership and LCP team member, Dianne Stewart (the Pyrenees Grampians VET Cluster and SWL Program Coordinator) who accompanied the group on the day.

First stop was Gason's, a design and engineering firm, manufacturing agricultural machinery including tillage, seeding and spreading equipment as well as manufacturing the Eureka and Jindara wood and gas heater range. The tour began with a power point presentation giving students an overview of the firm and the products it produces, as well as providing information about the Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities that the company provides. The group was then given a guided tour of the factory by Human Recourse Manager Alan Bright.

The tour began with the design department where engineers demonstrated the computer design process. On the factory floor students observed the operation of computerised cutting equipment, welding, bending and grinding of all types of metal, the assembly line, spray painting, powder coating and finishing of products along with all manner of technologies employed in the manufacturing process.

Past Stawell Secondary College graduate Glenn Squires provided an example of a career underway at Gason’s. Glenn is currently in the third year of his four year Engineering apprenticeship and has had the opportunity of working and learning in many areas of the factory.

A quick stop for lunch and a rest at LenZone! Ararat was followed by the tour of AME Systems, where they manufacture electrical wiring harness, power and signal distribution systems for heavy transport, automobiles, military equipment, special purpose vehicles, motorcycles, marine craft, aircraft, fixed electrical plant, switch boards and a variety of other applications. You know, all that mess of wires under the dash that makes the lights, brakes (and everything else that has a button and wire) work in the modern vehicle.

The tour began in the training room where along with the overview of the products produced in the factory was a description of the training that AME provides all of its staff. All staff at the factory are trained to some degree. Work opportunities in the factory include many roles in electrical harness production, team leaders, machinery technicians as well as computer aided design and management roles.

Students were impressed with the computerised wire cutting machines and the complexity of the finished harness. They also commented on how quiet and clean the factory was.

Strict occupational health and safety (OH&S) procedures were followed at each site. Safety glasses were required and students and teachers were instructed to stay within yellow lines and stay with tour guides at all times.

The students came away from the day with a high level of knowledge about work and career opportunities at the two companies.

It was noted by all involved that the student’s behaviour, interest and engagement throughout each tours was excellent.