Automotive Electrician / Electrical Mechanic Profile
I always had a lot of success at school in terms of grades – I excelled in the science and math subjects. However I wasn’t particularly interested in the automotive industry – I was actually heading down the career path of being a schoolteacher, because I enjoyed studying and I was good with figures. I was a straight ‘A’ student and wasn’t interested in getting my hands dirty – I was last in metal work every year!
My dad was really keen on me entering the automotive industry as soon as I completed year 11. He had already bought a workshop and hoped to get me involved. I was a bit reluctant at first, but given my passion and ability with electronics, he knew my talents should be put to good use. When I saw the kind of technology I would be working with, I decided to commit to the trade and begin working as an Automotive Electrician.
Once I got involved, I never looked back. I ended up purchasing the shop from my father, and we have since grown to be one of the biggest auto electrician workshops in Melbourne .
The work I do
As an Automotive Electrician, I carry out installing, maintaining, diagnosing faults and repairing electrical wiring and computer based equipment in all kinds of vehicles such as cars, trucks, caravans, trailers, earthmoving and agricultural equipment and boats.
Specifically though, I diagnose, service and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection and ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control and automatic transmissions.
In addition, I also test, replace, recondition and install equipment such as generators, alternators, starter motors and batteries. Also we repair or replace faulty ignitions, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches and use specialised electrical tools and machines.
So the role is fairly extensive and covers an enormous array of electronics principles. I consider that a real positive because the technology is always progressing. We never have time to slow down, so it provides the perfect challenge.
My workplace
We have a fairly full-on workload that is shared amongst a great group of guys here. We have been pretty lucky in having some of the brightest and best guys working for me, but a challenge still remains in trying to always stay on top of any technological enhancements. Also the kids are continually encouraged to attend any additional training that will expand their knowledge in electronics.
The workshop is excellent for what we require. We are in a terrific situation. Many of the guys have been here for quite some time now. Because the business is constantly growing we need a sizeable crew, as the industry demands that level of interaction.
Education and training
I enjoy electronics, and have a huge passion for my industry. Each year I require training regularly, simply to maintain an up-to-date perspective on the industry. I find myself continually evolving, and my knowledge is forever being challenged, which is a fantastic aspect for me. This fuels a sense of excitement.
In addition to completing my Certificate III in Automotive (Electrical), I have also completed 18 certificates based on a wide range of training courses geared towards electronics.
I plan to continue with the training courses, but that is simply my choice.
Due to the ongoing developments in the industry, it’s essential to
continually expand my knowledge through various workshops. Given the depth
of knowledge involved in electronics, there is so much more to learn now
and into the future.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry…
Things just move so rapidly in the automotive electronics industry. The sector is incredibly high tech nowadays. All of the componentry is now electronically controlled with the touch of a button, simply because it’s all directed through computers. There is virtually nothing in the automotive field, aside from a grease and oil change, that doesn’t require the use of electronics particularly in the new vehicles.
It’s an exciting trade for a kid to get into and offers them the opportunity to learn on incredible test equipment. It’s very rare to have that kind of power and technology within most trades.
At the moment we have a huge clientele base, in fact it has even got to the stage where we now have a waiting list of dealerships and workshops that utilise our services. The reliance on computer technology within cars is astounding.
Because of the technological developments involved in electronics, it is essential we have kids entering the industry who have completed their VCE, and are fairly intelligent. There also needs to be some genuine enthusiasm and willingness, rather than entering the motor trade as a last resort – it is simply too involved and too demanding not to hold a desire for the industry. Otherwise they won’t survive in this industry.
I love my trade, and I particularly love the people I interact with. I am in the industry now purely for the love of it. There is certainly a lot of hard work required, however I simply love what I’m doing, plus it’s a bit of a bonus working on some of the latest model cars each day. The level of technology I am involved in now is what spurs me on. My work requires an incredible amount of knowledge, but there is an enormous amount of money to be made. And judging on the way the automotive industry is heading there is certainly an excellent future ahead.
If a student expresses his passion for the automotive industry, and has an interest in the electronics field, then we know they have vision. If they want to learn and understand, they will be going to school for the rest of their life, then they will have a great future. With each new make and model, constant refinement of knowledge is required. Nowadays you probably wouldn’t look at someone unless they have completed Year 12, especially in the electronic sector.
I love the people we work with, as well as the people I come in contact with everyday. We have a heap of fun working together. On a personal level there is also huge excitement in fixing cars. Often we get jobs that no one else has been able to fix, so usually we sit down and work together on this one problem till we nut it out. So I get a bit of buzz out of fixing cars that nobody else is capable of doing.
As an Automotive Electrician, I continually come across a number of challenges, but ultimately the effort is well and truly worth it. The challenge is always being reinvented as the technology develops. You have to enjoy what you are doing, and I believe that we do that. It is a very unique skill that is difficult to replace.