Mechanic (Light Vehicle) Profile
I studied as hard as I could at school to get the marks I needed to get into an apprenticeship. It's pretty competitive. I went to visit the local dealer and did some work experience too. I finished my apprenticeship a year ago now and things are starting to move. I learn new things every day. They even sent me to Germany earlier this year to learn how to fine-tune engines using their computer diagnostic equipment. There are lots of opportunities to get training here, they must spend tons on it, and they pay me pretty well too!
The work I do
Now that I've finished my apprenticeship, I get to strip back engines, and do some diagnostic work. I use an imaging system that lets me check things like voltage, resistance, capacitance and temperature. I just have to touch the screen and use the menus to select what I want to do. We use pits here and we also have four hoists and five bays. We usually do about 12 cars a day minimum, so it can get pretty hectic.
Most of the time I stay pretty clean, unless I have to drain a sump or help pull out a gearbox. When I started out, I had to do my share of cleaning out the bins, moving cars, sweeping out the workshop and driving customers home. But they get you on to things as fast as you're capable of it. So if you're good and work hard it won't be long before you are using the best equipment and getting detailed product training.
Other things I do are replacing fan belts, testing the engine for idling and oxygen levels for efficiency, replacing lube and oil, changing wipers, oil filters and replacing globes. It depends on what my supervisors want me to do and what's wrong with the car.
My workplace
Facilities here are good. We have showers, a lunch room and even a rec room. If you join the social club you can go and do different activities, like cart racing, bowling, tennis, golf and the movies. We also have 12 full sets of tools and heaps of specialised gadgets, so we never have to go without. They really invest in a lot of equipment here.
There is a coffee shop in the sales area and a lounge for the customers, and out the back we always keep it neat and tidy. This is a pretty good place to work. Most places are clean now because of all the electronics in cars. You just can't afford to have grease and oil lying round the place, as the components are too sensitive.
Education and training
Basically, to be a fully qualified tradesperson, you need a Certificate
III in Automotive Mechanical. But you can start your automotive career
with a VET programme at some high schools or even a traineeship (Certificate
II).
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry
I earn $800 a week, which is OK, and I'll earn a lot more when I have more experience. Some people here earn $70,000 a year, but it depends on what you do and how well you do it. In some other places you might earn a bit less and in some others a bit more. I'd say we're at the start of the top end. They reckon there's already a big shortage of technicians and wages will be likely to go up.