School's in for Harley apprentices

Harley-Davidson Australia has introduced a new TAFE-backed training programme for its dealers' apprentice technicians in NSW and Qld

Apprentice technicians in Queensland and New South Wales Harley-Davidson dealerships are set to benefit from a new TAFE-backed training programme recently unveiled by Harley-Davidson Australia.

Developed in collaboration with NSW's North Coast TAFE, the course will see apprentice technicians -- like Katie Elliott, pictured -- receive expert tuition that will help them meet Harley-Davidson's specific requirements, while also developing the more general skills required to become a qualified motorcycle tradesperson.

First-year apprentices will complete a total of six weeks of intensive training in state-of-the-art facilities at Harley-Davidson Australia's Sydney headquarters, where they will be familiarised with Harley's products and immersed in its culture. 

The course will also give certain students a pathway for accelerated education, thanks to a 'Recognition of Prior Learning' strategy developed in partnership with North Coast TAFE. This recognises the completion of any nationally accredited units of competence, making for a faster student trajectory through the training.

By the end of an apprenticeship students will have an AUR30405 Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Motorcycle) and, says Harley, will have completed a significant proportion of the training necessary to attain the title of Harley-Davidson Master Technician. 

According to Harley's Sales & Market Development Director, Derek Stringfellow, the programme has many benefits. “This training programme will create a new breed of technician and offer real advantages to apprentices and dealers alike," he said. "The Harley-Davidson Training Centre allows focussed training in a premium learning environment. We expect this will lead to technicians better able to work on today’s sophisticated machines, which means faster turnaround times and improved customer service,” he added.

Gazoo Racing upgrades the Scion FR-S

Since the 2013 Subaru BRZ and the 2013 Scion FR-S met the public last month, all people want to talk about is when a turbo or supercharged version is coming out. It seems 200 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque just isn't enough. 

Japanese firm Gazoo Racing decided not to wait for the factory and built a supercharged—and turbocharged—Toyota 86 (our Scion FR-S) that it's calling the Gazoo Racing Sport FR.

The result of the build is a power output of 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough to dominate the local Mazda guys at your home track, though you probably won't be in the same class, anymore.

The supercharger handles the boost in the low revs, while the turbocharger takes care of the power in the upper ranges. Gazoo also reprograms the engine-management software to make it work and adds a high-flow exhaust system.

Not content with leaving the body in stock form, Gazoo added a full bodykit, upgraded suspension, better brakes, lightweight wheels and a racing spoiler.

These parts probably won't be available from the factory. But since Toyota's TRD will race four cars in the upcoming Nürburgring endurance races, we hope that it will make some factory hop-up parts available to the public.

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