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GVTU Student at Moe Racecourse

Simon Plavins has been working for the past 18 months at the Moe Racecourse. This position was gained through a practical placement arranged by the Gippsland Vocational Training Unit (GVTU) Youth Employment Service.

By GippsTAFE - 4th April 2003 - Back to News

Simon Plavins has been working for the past 18 months at the Moe Racecourse. This position was gained through a practical placement arranged by the Gippsland Vocational Training Unit (GVTU) Youth Employment Service.

"I did a literacy and numeracy course, the driver education course and I also did both timber and horticulture classes at the GVTU," said Simon.

During this training, staff from the Youth Employment Service assisted Simon gain a practical placement at the Moe Racecourse. With the encouragement of the racecourse staff Simon has been able to gain the skills needed to work in the grounds maintenance crew.

At the Moe Racecourse Simon works in a team of people, cleaning stalls, raking, works on the track, watering, garden maintenance and is also there on major race days.

"I like being outdoors, working with others, and the race days are really great," said Simon.

Simon’s employer, Moe Racecourse CEO Brendan Blackwood was approached by the GVTU to have Simon work there.

"We were happy to have Simon here as we had had work for the dole and other work placement people here and it had been very successful," said Mr Blackwood.

"Simon is very motivated, starts at 7.30am up keeping all the facilities and gardens and works very well with the other workers."

GVTU have been assisting young people with a disability across Gippsland for over 20 years. The GVTU Youth Employment Service is a specialist employment agency that facilitates opportunities for young people in rural communities to access employment in their community.

Simon is available to work at other venues such as bowling clubs, RSL’s and golf clubs. If you are interested in having Simon at your workplace please contact the GVTU Youth Employment Service on 5134 6377.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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