Bianka (right) with other scholarship winner Mikaela.
In recognition of her outstanding performance as a Parts Interpreter Apprentice at Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, 23-year-old Bianka Chiodo, is currently on a scholarship in the United States.
Bianka’s trip involves a visit of observation at Fletcher Jones Motorcars – a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Newport Beach, California.
The scholarship, which is funded by Skilling Australia Foundation, provides recipients with the chance to see how Mercedes-Benz operates internationally.
Bianka says she looks forward to sharing her new experiences and knowledge with her team in Melbourne when she returns.
With a Dad who loves all things automotive, Bianka has always been surrounded by cars. Her Dad’s passion rubbed off on Bianka and she began working at his car dealership.
Bianka decided to upskill through doing a pre-apprenticeship automotive course at TAFE. She completed this course and went on to work as a diesel mechanic at a local motor group.
She heard about an apprenticeship opportunity through WPC Group at Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, and decided to apply so she could further develop her skills.
Bianka is currently thriving in the second year of her apprenticeship.
Having witnessed Bianka’s progression throughout her apprenticeship, Mercedes-Benz Melbourne Fixed Operations Manager Steve Williams says Bianka is a deserving winner of the scholarship.
“Bianka’s approach to challenges and tasks from small to grand scales has been confident and the results are an attribute to her work ethic. Bianka leads by example and assists all of her team members wherever and whenever possible,” Williams says.
WPC Group apprentices working at Australian Mercedes-Benz dealerships have been receiving the scholarship yearly since 2016. The scholarship covers the expenses of all flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and insurances, as well as providing winners with a US-based mentor, uniforms and protective equipment.
The other 2018 winners include light vehicle mechanical apprentices 23-year-old Mikaela Lawrence from Mercedes-Benz Brisbane, and 20-year-old Fearghus Von Prott, from Mercedes-Benz Sydney.
Mercedes-Benz Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are owned by Lei Shing Hong (LSH) Automobile, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate specialising in retailing vehicles, particularly from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Lamborghini.