IT would be a mechanic's dream to get to work on a Supercar at the Bathurst 1000, and that's exactly what 12 lucky TAFE NSW Automotive students have been given the opportunity to do.
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The students will each work with a Supercars team, giving them the chance to learn from industry leaders and put their skills to use on some of Australia's fastest cars in the nation's most famous race.
TAFE NSW Bathurst Automotive students Corinda Barlow and Matthew Johnson are two of the lucky 12 to get to undertake work experience at the event over the four days.
For 43-year-old Ms Barlow, an avid car racing fan, it's an exciting experience.
"It's been amazing. The thrills, all the action that goes on behind the scenes that you don't actually get to see if you're a spectator, it's so full on and such a terrific experience, really," she said.
Over the four days she is working with Brad Jones Racing on the #3 Team CoolDrive Holden of Macauley Jones.
They have been giving her plenty of work to do and making her feel like part of the team.
"I've been putting on tyres, I've been helping them get the car ready for each session, just doing different repairs and making sure everything is right before the drivers take it out," Ms Barlow said.
Her love of cars and desire to do things for herself led her to wanting to pursue a career in mechanics.
"I just like working on cars and doing things myself, rather than getting other people to do it, and I just enjoy the car life," she said.
She is currently studying her Certificate II in Automotive and Motorsport and hopes this experience with Supercars can help her find career opportunities in motorsport.
"Being a woman in a male-dominant industry is a little bit tougher, but CoolDrive have really welcomed me there, so hopefully I can take things further," Ms Barlow said.
Mr Johnson, a Bathurst Automotive Group apprentice, said he was excited to get behind the scenes and see how a high-performing race team works.
"I've been a motorsport fan my whole life and to get up-close and personal with one of my favourite teams is just a dream come true," he said.
TAFE NSW is one of only two registered training organisations in Australia that offers the Certificate II in Motorsport to anyone who is interested in a career in motorsport.
The unique experience of working at the Bathurst 1000 ensures that students are getting the best-possible training and sets them up for long-lasting careers.
To find out more about studying automotive and motorsport courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.