Vehicle Trimmer Profile
I was 17 years old at the time when I entered the vehicle trimming industry. I was never the cleverest kid in school; I always seemed to struggle with English and Maths. But when things involved using our hands, I always thrived on the creative element of it all. Graphics and arts were always my favourite subjects in school, simply because it came so naturally to me – the whole design and creation concept.
I decided to leave school in year 11. A good friend of mine was already involved in the trade, so he gave me my first break into the industry. He was always telling me of the kind of work he was involved in, and it seems I always know the solutions to his problems. From that point on I have always wanted to be a trimmer, and that was it. I went straight into the industry. I guess you could say born a trimmer, die a trimmer.
Towards the end of my apprenticeship, I was getting pretty good at what I did. So I decided to do a bit of regular work from home on a part time basis. At first, I slowly was working from home, just one job after the other. But then things really started to pick up and it got to the point where I simply couldn’t handle the workload anymore. I knew it was time to open up my own business, so I went ahead and did so. Best move I ever made, and it all seemed so easy!
The work I do
The beauty about my job is that I get to work on any kind of vehicle, including cars, trucks, vintage vehicles, buses, caravans, trains, aircraft and boats.
So basically we are required to make, install, repair, replace or modify the seats, upholstery, linings, interior trim, roof and door linings and floor coverings of any of the above vehicles.
Specifically though, the duties will involve removing old coverings or fittings from vehicles, re-measuring, selecting pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather, cutting to size and sewing. There will also be fitting of trim, seat cover manufacture and repair, refitting, aligning and checking window winding mechanisms and door locks, fitting of weather strips and draught sealers. The level of technology in use is fairly basic, as it requires all hands-on stuff.
Common sense plays a huge part in this industry, as well as a good level of mechanical knowledge and hand-eye coordination, which is also very important.
My workplace
When I bought this workshop I was able to mould the place into something that would suit any requirements we came across in this trade. I decided to keep everything really basic and fairly ordered. This way we can always locate any tools or fabrics we may need fairly easily. Plus there is a heap of room to work in; the guys enjoy the open feel about the workshop.
Everyone here is great. We make sure there isn’t any quarrelling. Generally if someone has something to say, then they are encouraged to say it. We have a wide representation of ages and cultures here, but we try and keep everyone together – I think this is the key to a productive workshop.
Education and training
I have been pretty lucky, because I’ve managed to build this entire
business simply from undertaking a Certificate III in Automotive (Vehicle
Body – Trimming). I entered my training as soon as I completed year
11, and have continually learnt along the way.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry…
I take an enormous amount of proud from my job. I guess you have to if you plan to successful - no point settling for mediocrity because that will just annoy your customers. Vehicle trimming is very challenging though, and is something that is very, very hard to master. I can honestly say that after more than 20 years in the industry, I still don’t know everything. Again, though, this is a huge challenge and always keeps things interesting – even to the point where I am learning everyday on the job.
If I have any advice for people considering becoming a Vehicle Trimmer, then simply just be keen. If you are keen, then you will be able to achieve anything, whilst overcoming any obstacle. As I said earlier, I always struggled with reading and maths, but I do know trimming!
I’m just cruising along at the moment. I will stay in here with my business; I cannot see this changing. I guess I’m a bit too old to enter anything new. But it’s not as if I would want to leave – I’m having too much fun!