Land Rover Australia has donated a Land Rover Discovery to TAFE NSW, Riverina Institute's Griffith Campus. The donation of a $65,000 vehicle is the first of its kind, and Land Rover Australia expects to make more donations to TAFE Institutes across the state to help automotive students gain real hands on experience.

The donation was organised through Automotive Training Australia last month and the vehicle was delivered to Griffith campus just in time for the start of Semester III.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our students to learn on a modern vehicle," said head teacher of transport Garrie Crossingham. "We will use this vehicle to teach how the various systems operate and how to maintain, test, diagnose, repair and overhaul those systems and components."

The Land Rover Discovery will be used by Riverina Institute to teach automotive mechanical apprentices the ins and outs of modern vehicle maintenance and repairs. Students will now have the opportunity to work on the vehicle's systems and components as part of the Automotive Mechanical Certificate III.

"It's a magnanmious and public spirited gesture and will significantly impact the practical training component of the courses we offer. Students are now able to get the hands on experience absolutely essential in this training."

Premier Automotive Group Australia's Product Quality and Engineering Manager, John Lindsay says he hopes the experience students gain by working on the Land Rover will pay dividends in years to come.

"This is an ideal opportunity to get some of our products out there into the network," said Mr Lindsay. "We benefit in the long run by having experienced technicians who can service our products. Provided students are taught by qualified and experienced trainers we feel the arrangement is a good one for both parties."

"This is a trial incentive programme, and if it works, we have more vehicles we can place in the network." Mr Lindsay added.

For further information please contact:
Karen Byron, Public Relations Co-ordinator on:
Email: kbyron@landrover.com
Phone: (02) 9020 1514