Empowering Remote Excellence: Mas National’s Support for Burnt Pine Travel

Introduction

Mas National played a pivotal role in supporting Burnt Pine Travel, a multifaceted company based on Norfolk Island, as it expanded its operations and upskilled its workforce. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, Mas National helped Burnt Pine Travel enhance its maintenance capabilities and align with Australian standards.

The Challenge

Burnt Pine Travel faced the challenge of maintaining its growing fleet of vehicles and equipment, necessitating the establishment of a robust mechanics workshop. Two experienced mechanics, Matthew McConnell and Blake Schmitz, joined the company, requiring certification in heavy vehicle mechanics. Mas National stepped in to provide comprehensive support through the RPL process.

The Solution

Mas National Apprenticeship Consultant, Kate Gould, worked one-on-one with Matthew and Blake to secure financial claims and provide ongoing support throughout the RPL process. “We’re committed to ensuring that Blake and Matthew have the necessary resources and support to complete their RPL process smoothly,” Kate said.

The support included financial assistance and guidance through the certification process, ensuring a seamless experience for the apprentices.

Benefits of Mas National’s Support

1. Streamlined RPL Process: Mas National’s expertise facilitated a streamlined RPL process, minimising the time required for additional training and allowing Matthew and Blake to focus on their practical skills.
2. Access to Resources: Through Mas National, Burnt Pine Travel gained access to resources and support that might have been otherwise unavailable due to its remote location.
3. Alignment with Australian Standards: Mas National’s guidance ensured that Burnt Pine Travel’s operations met Australian standards, crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency.
4. Mentoring and Guidance: The mentoring provided through the Mas Connect App was particularly valuable, given the challenges of accessing traditional training methods on a remote island.

The Results

With Mas National’s support, Matthew and Blake successfully achieved heavy vehicle certification through the RPL process. Burnt Pine Travel’s Operations Manager, Craig Buffett, appreciated the support, stating, “It makes life much easier knowing that this support is there for our team, and being isolated as Norfolk Island is, this becomes very important so that our Apprentices do not get left behind.”

Blake echoed this sentiment, saying, “Without Mas and Kate, getting my diesel certification would be incredibly challenging. It means a lot to have their support, as without them, I wouldn’t be able to do my apprenticeship.”

Conclusion

Mas National’s support for Burnt Pine Travel demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to helping businesses in remote locations upskill their workforce and achieve their goals. By providing comprehensive support through the RPL process, Mas National enabled Burnt Pine Travel to enhance its maintenance capabilities, align with Australian standards, and drive business success.