Relationships between trade training institutions and wood working machinery suppliers are an important, if sometimes overlooked dimension of the cabinetmaking industry. A good example of the positive benefits that such arrangements can generate, is the interaction between the South Western Sydney Institute Lidcombe College and Gabbett Group.
The value of this long association was recently highlighted when Gabbett Group was recognised as a silver sponsor of the Cabinetmaking Section of the college. Attending the sponsorship award function were cabinetmaking teachers and senior college administrators. Managing Director Barry Gabbett, and NSW Sales Manager Paul Edmunds, represented Gabbett Group.
In awarding Gabbett a plaque and certificate of appreciation recognising their silver sponsorship status, College Director Morrie Morgan, stressed the value of the support provided to the college and its 400 cabinetmaking students by Gabbett Group.
“Having up-to-the-minute machinery for tuition replicates real industrial working conditions and helps students fit into the work place outside the college more quickly and competently,” Mr Morgan said.
He acknowledged the value of the contribution to the college that Gabbett Group, in association with SCM, provided in supplying wood working machines. The silver sponsorship award recognised the provision of two SCM 400mm wide jointers and two SCM 520mm wide thicknessers, plus ongoing support and servicing.
“Such arrangements are critical to the quality of our training and provide us with a number of benefits, plus enabling us to keep in touch with the industry,” he said.
“Gabbett’s silver sponsorship allows us to use the latest equipment. It is a generous gesture that we really appreciate.”
Responding Barry Gabbett said the company was pleased to have been able to develop a relationship with the Lidcombe College. “The college is recognised as the centre of excellence for furnishing and cabinetmaking training in the state. We appreciate that there are benefits to students, but we also benefit from the familiarity with SCM machinery that the students gain.”
“They take this familiarity into the work place and hopefully will look to Gabbett at some future stage to supply their own machinery needs.”
Head Teacher for Cabinetmaking Robert Watson, said the new jointers and thichnessers supplied by Gabbett Group, along with other machinery, some of which was also supplied by Gabbett, allows students to advance their woodworking skills in the breaking down, dressing and finishing of solid wood and sheet material. “Both teachers and students benefit by being able to use modern, safe and easy to operate woodworking machinery and from the relation with Gabbett Group.”
For additional information contact: Paul Edmunds, Gabbett Group Telephone: 02 9831 5044 Email: pauledmunds@gabbett.com
