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.