Steering & Suspension Serviceperson Profile
My love for the automotive industry started back in high school where I showed a bit of a flair with engines and components by repairing and racing my own motorbikes.
I decided to leave school in year 10 and enrol into an automotive course at a technical school close to home. Every kid my age wanted to do automotive, so I was just one of the many!
Around the same time I was lucky enough to snare a work experience position at a local dealership. I felt as though when I began my traineeship in the automotive industry I had a pretty good education, so I was able to cope well with the hard work that flowed on from here.
By the time I came out of my Certificate II in Automotive (Mechanical – Steering and Suspension) there was no need to be sheltered by the guidance of an experienced tradesman. Now I was 100% responsible for the cars we were working on and that was really emphasised to us. I think I had a very sharp learning curve at the time.
So here I am today – almost a quarter of a century later and I’m still in the industry, in fact I even own the dealership where it all started for me. I have had the most incredible time and experienced an amazing journey to reach where I am today.
The work I do
Our business specialises in steering and suspension. So essentially my job involves applying diagnostic procedures to determine symptoms or faults, servicing and repair of steering systems, as well as the overhaul of steering system components. We also look at servicing and repair of suspension systems for a variety of vehicles including light and heavy vehicles, plant, motorcycles, marine and outdoor power equipment.
Our role often requires us to carry out welding, soldering, thermal cutting and heating procedures. In addition, wheel alignments are completed where necessary.
Our clients are extremely loyal, and we try and reciprocate this trust to establish a long lasting relationship. So I do get involved in a bit of after hours work to support my clients, but that’s purely out of choice. At least I know I will always be their preferred technician! That’s the way we like our business to revolve, around this loyal client base.
My workplace
The workplace is constantly improving, and I guess that’s the way every workplace should be. I often get compliments from customers about the layout and cleanliness of the workshop, but there isn’t any point resting on my laurels.
The atmosphere greatly depends upon the kind of staff I have around here. There are a number of techniques such as team meetings that I have implemented to break down the barriers between management and employees. It helps to make the place a little warmer and a lot easier in terms of communication.
Education and training
I have gained an enormous amount of life skills since entering the industry. But by no means would I consider avoiding on-going training. Following the achievement of my Certificate II in Automotive (Mechanical – Steering and Suspension), I eventually completed the Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical – Light Vehicle), which was terrific for myself and the business.
Additionally, I regularly involve myself in a number of industry sponsored
training programs just to ensure I maintain a current perspective on technology
and developing concepts.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry…
The automotive industry still provides me with a lot of satisfaction, whether it is something as simple as seeing the satisfaction on our customer’s faces, or getting a job done that no one else was capable of completing.
There is one continuing aspect to this industry, and that’s change. The increasing technology into the automotive industry has been phenomenal over the past decade. Rarely do we immediately head to the toolbox when a car comes in. Instead our first line of repair is utilising the software programs supported by computer based diagnostic equipment.
It is such a golden opportunity for the kids coming through now. The current crop of apprentices will shortly be thrust into a variety of senior positions providing them with an excellent grounding in automotive. When you combine the job prospects with the boom in technology and growth in electronics, it is clear to see the automotive industry is geared towards the future.
Now, more than ever before, there are some enormous advantages in beginning a career in the automotive industry. Regardless of which area you may specialise in, you will undoubtedly develop three important life skills; strong management skills, extensive communication skills and finally strong analytical skills. These are three definite areas that will assist you not only in the automotive industry, but also throughout your entire life!