A TAFE department purchases a new Kenworth as an apprenticeship training tool
A joint sponsorship deal between Mildura Truck Centre, The Truck Specialists, Kenworth Trucks, Caterpillar Australia and the Federal Government’s Commonwealth Equipment Grant helped Mildura TAFE purchase a new Kenworth K108.
Rated at 90 tonnes, the cab-over is powered by a Caterpillar Acert C15 producing 550 hp and 1900 ft/lb plus an 18-speed Eaton Autoshift transmission and Rockwell rear axles, riding on Kenworth’s Airglide 400 heavy duty suspension and is complete with a flat roof 36-inch sleeper.
The cab-over will be used as an apprenticeship training tool in the TAFE’s automotive department, which is a Government-funded ‘centre for excellence’ in heavy truck training.
Swan Hill campus of TAFE’s automotive instructor Mark Hull said he was thrilled to take possession of the new Kenworth.
“Without Mildura Truck Centre and Kenworth’s generosity, we would not have this magnificent truck. We are very impressed with their support which dates back several years,” Hull says.
The companies assisted the TAFE in the development of the heavy vehicle training facility in the Swan Hill, with 35 apprentices beginning the course in its first year, with more than 100 attending in 2008.
“An important part of our training is, of course, having access to a late model truck – the vehicles our apprentices will be working on when they graduate. Up until now our students have had to contend with older-style vehicles. We’re excited to have the K108. It’s one of the newest models on road, incorporating leading edge technology.”
Joe Rizzo, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, says the Swan Hill sponsorship underscored Kenworth’s long-term commitment to industry training, which includes winning the Federal Government’s 2007 Industry Training Award for Manufacturing as well as Employer of the Year at the Victorian Government’s 2007 Training Awards.