My interest in mechanical things began while racing bikes.
I've always been playing around with bikes.
I enjoy anything mechanical and doing my own repairs.
I started my apprenticeship three years ago. I'm now in
my final year of becoming a qualified motor mechanic.
Working on the job and going to TAFE -- that's where I
gain most of my knowledge and I really do enjoy my job.
There's never a day that I don't feel like coming to work.
OK, Dave, uum are you game enough to try and start this one? We've got it all ready ...
I've learnt a lot from Alf. He has a wealth of
experience with turbo charging and performance vehicles.
And then I want you to check the fuel pressure and see if
you've got that. There's a workshop manual on the bench ...
I guess that's a good thing about an apprenticeship.
You learn while you work and from qualified people.
Alf, come and check this out. Yeah, OK.
Yeah, we'll have to put new brake pads on this, Dave. You'll
have to take the disc off and we'll skim it if necessary.
Safety's very important in a workshop. You must protect your eyes.
I work on some great vehicles which is far more interesting than specialising on one make.
I suppose the advantage of a small workshop is you work on all types of vehicles.
To do this work you need a passion for cars and also be mechanically minded.
Got any soap left?
OK, guys. Morning tea's ready.
Because we start early, morning tea's like breakfast
with the smell of fresh toast and a cuppa.
Well, I guess I better take these dogs for a walk. All part of the job.Come on, let's go.
Most of my work involves servicing and maintenance.
You're always looking and checking for faults.
Good day, Rob. David here from Eurospin. How are you going?
Yeah, I'd like to order a couple of oil filters.
Sometimes, parts aren't available, especially in older vehicles so you have to
improvise and make a replacement. It's another interesting part of the job.
Hey, Dave. How are you going? Got your parts. Yeah, ta.
Just your autograph. Thanks. Cheers. See ya.
Anything to do with brakes requires careful attention.
It's always important to road-test the vehicle thoroughly.
I also diagnose faults.
Major services are the best, replacing cam belts and tuning. That's what I like.
Dave. Yeah?
Can you check the timing on the Lancer before it goes, please? Yeah, righty-oh.
OK, timing -- five degrees plus or minus 2.
It's satisfying to see a rough-running vehicle leaving in top condition.
I think what's unique about my job is one moment I can be
servicing vehicles, the next doing a major engine overhaul.
Today most vehicles have onboard computers. These monitor and
calibrate engine performance. I check computer codes for any faults.
Having an apprenticeship is a great way to go. And you're being paid while you learn.
It's not much but you have to remember -- you are being trained on the job.
Employers like people who have some basic industry skills.
TAFE offers pre-apprenticeships courses which help in securing an apprenticeship.
For me, clean hands have never been an issue because I've always been a bit of a grub,
but I'd rather have dirty hands and love coming to work than do a job I didn't like.