Cylinder Head Reconditioner Profile
I have always been good with my hands. My dad showed me a lot when I was younger, and my uncle was also very useful in the garage. Since I can remember I was always around at my uncles, modifying engines and tweaking with bits and pieces, so before I knew it I had a fairly solid knowledge on cars.
Actually, I originally wanted to become a chef, but I didn’t particularly like the hours so I decided to fulfil my other passion – cars! My school provided me with some excellent information regarding automotive apprenticeships, specifically in mechanics.
I knew this is where I wanted to be; all I needed was a bit of advice and guidance on how to reach my goal. At the beginning of year 11 I chose the subjects relating to an automotive course in mechanics. This required me to attend another school after hours. I also had a bit of exposure to work experience, which was terrific.
Throughout year 11, I wanted to get more involved in the automotive industry. A lot of people said I didn’t need to do year 12. So I thought I would look around and I found a local workshop was searching for a Trainee Cylinder Head Reconditioner. I had a book from school that told me what this job entailed, and the it involved what I had been looking for. It also had the scope to do more advanced mechanics by progressing to an engine reconditioning apprenticeship in the future. So practically that was it – I knew I wouldn’t mind doing something like this.
The work I do
I have always loved problem solving and I knew that an cylinder head reconditioning traineeship would provide me with this challenge. I wasn’t interested in simply diagnosing the problem, ordering the parts, and then fitting them back on. Instead I wanted to find the problem, fix the problem and ultimately ensure the engine leaves the shop running better.
So basically, cylinder head reconditioning involves the setting up and operation of machinery to restore and recondition cylinder heads. Specifically it involves pre-repair operations such as dismantling engines and evaluating components, conducting testing procedures, carrying out grinding and facing operations to a range of engine components and machining components to specifications using a lathe, drilling and cutting machines. These activities are completed using measuring equipment such as micrometers, to fine tolerances.
My workplace
The current set-up is really good. It is designed in sections so the work flows throughout. Also an added benefit is that this avoids a lot of pressure being put on any one individual.
The atmosphere is also pretty good. Everyone here is around the age of 22 to 24 and if you have a problem someone will always help you out. I find that you learn a lot more because everyone here is willing to give you a hand and show how things are done.
Education and training
Throughout year 11, I knew I wanted to enter the automotive industry. So I managed to get some work experience with a local mechanic, but it didn’t quite excite me the way I thought it would. I wasn’t challenged simply by doing the servicing, oil changes, tyre changes and wheel balancing. I knew I wanted to branch out and see what else I could do.
Mid-year I noticed an advertisement in the paper for this position. I found out about this trade basically by word of mouth, and everyone recommended the position. I rang up and told them I was keen on an traineeship/apprenticeship and they promised they would hold off until the end of year, so once I finished school I walked straight into here.
I have considered finishing year 12. I have spoken to a few blokes here
and am thinking of doing classes at night and possibly branching out into
another trade at night school. I won’t leave this as my last job
that I will ever do in my life, I will always look to do other things,
but currently I love this trade.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry…
It is very hands on, you are close to the job and you understand directly how an engine operates. You learn ways of modifying things to make the engine run better. You start to realise that the way it was manufactured isn’t necessarily the best way it can possibly run. Going from one job to another you learn a lot of different skills, and come across so many different circumstances.
In the future I would like to become a trainer of some sort, providing answers to all the questions, like “What do I do here?” Eventually, given enough money, I would love to open my own business some time down the track. But I definitely love this industry, and couldn’t think of a better, more productive trade in the automotive industry.
ATA would like to thank All Head Services for their assistance.