13 Dec Spanner Works: Donnie and Wenstley

A regular feature by senior workshop technician JP du Plessis outlining the activities of FMM’s workshop personnel who are responsible for repairing, renovating, refurbishing and restoring the museum’s large and varied collection of vehicles. This month, JP reports on two members of the team who have graduated from a learning course…  

This year has certainly been a busy one, and besides all the work that took place in the workshop by the team, two stalwarts also found time to graduate as qualified, trade-tested mechanics. Donnie Tarentaal and Wenstley Wicomb followed the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process throughout the course of the year, and topped it off by successfully completing the Motor Mechanics Trade Test. The ARPL process takes into account candidates’ years of experience on the job, assesses their theoretical and practical aptitude in the field of study, and prepares them for the practical trade test for red seal qualification.

Donnie and Wenstley were put through their paces in all aspects of the motor trade during their course prior to the trade test. Amongst these were fault-finding and tune-up, engine fit (not just assembly but the use of precision tools for checking piston to bore clearance, measuring ring gaps with a feeler gauge, measuring the engine block deck and cylinder head surface warpage etc.), gearbox, differential and steering box specifications, to name just a few. Besides completing the studies, Donnie and Wenstley also got to network with fellow aspiring tradesmen from various sectors within the automotive business, which also gave them more insight into the industry.

Donnie and Wenstley would like to express their thanks to the company for allowing them the opportunity, time and resources to complete their training and gain this qualification. The company would like to congratulate them on their achievements and for displaying a great show of motivation to press on and pass everything first time, having had no formal assessment pressure for more than 10 years!