By Kirsty Ross
KEVIN Baker could become Victoria’s Apprentice of the Year.
The Hoppers Crossing 21-year-old is a contender for Outstanding Student of the Year (Apprentice) in the Victorian Training Awards.
Straight out of school, Kevin scored an apprenticeship at Holden Engine Operations in Port Melbourne and finished Certificate III in electrotechnology (systems electrician) at Victoria University TAFE in 2005.
“We work on complex systems here that produce V6 engines for cars all over the world,” Kevin said.
He said he maintains the computerised industrial control systems and keeps the machinery running efficiently.
“The manufacturing technology is always being updated too, with the development of more fuel-efficient engines.”
In 2004 he was given an award for being Victoria University’s Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.
This year, while completing his fourth apprenticeship year he started an advanced diploma in engineering.
Over the past five years, he set up two small businesses of his own.
Kevin plans to become a licensed electrician – supporting assembly and fabrication production lines at Holden, before moving into an engineering role.
Then if all goes to plan, he will study a bachelor of business (management).
“I want to keep pushing forward with my studies.”
