He has spent the past four nights camped out at the 24-hour “tent town” outside the Kaitlers Road property and is now wondering whether he might have to sell his home in Wodonga.

Mr Parkinson is one of hundreds of apprentices produced by the Lavington factory since it opened in 1971.

“Most of them have stayed here as it’s been a good place to work and the wages are above the award,” he said.

As an engineering technician, he is well aware of the slim chance of getting similar work in Albury-Wodonga, and says he doesn’t want to move from the Border.

“I’ve moved from Beechworth to Wodonga and bought a house there, and all my family and friends are in this area,” he said.

Drivetrain hasn’t taken on apprentices recently because of massive cuts in the workforce, but there are plenty of workers in a similar age group as Mr Parkinson.

They were among workers yesterday to express indignation at the company as the receiver prepares to place the gearbox manufacturer in liquidation.