Profile – An update on mechanical engineer Namatjira Skuthorpe

Back in March last year we profiled 1300apprentice mechanical engineer Namatjira Skuthorpe who is currently hosted by Breseight Engineering Pty Ltd.

We wanted to update you on Namatjira’s progress as we believe that Namatjira’s story is a great example of where apprenticeships can take you.

As previously mentioned, Namatjira is a maturely aged apprentice, who decided after being a

manager for after-sales support at an Aviation Company, that it was time to move into the Mechanical Engineering field. Since the last time we profiled Namatjira, he has come leaps and bounds in his trade through hard work, determination and the support of his host employer.

Namatjira is now a third-year apprentice, and since March last year, he is now in the fast-tracking system at TAFE NSW whilst also studying a Diploma of Engineering at TAFE which is heavily based in Automation, Control and Design methods. Namatjira says “that since starting, I’ve got some great results and I’m enjoying the classes and the assignments. I’m hoping to move into a degree level of study once I’ve completed at TAFE”.

Breseight Engineering Pty Ltd has also fast-tracked Namatjira’s on-the-job training and are currently training him on CADCAM (Computer Aided Design Computer Aided Machining) to help with the engineering of products that they produce.

Once completed, Namatjira is hopeful of continuing with Breseight in the Design and Engineering section and to use his managerial skills in an office environment.