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As vehicles have become more hi-tech and innovative so too has the Automotive Industry undergone a number of major changes.
The Automotive Industry is an exciting and varied industry to work in with a huge diversity of positions and careers available. |
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Gone are the days of dirty work and dirty workplaces, the automotive workplace of today is clean, safe, customer focused, with up-to-date cutting edge equipment and technologies staffed with skilled and enthusiastic employees.
The automotive industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. The diversity of the industry includes – assembling and selling cars, as well as many other industries who supply materials or components to the car manufacturers. The car industry is thought to be the world’s largest single consumer of steel, plastics, glass and rubber. And then there are all the businesses making car accessories, selling petrol, repairing or washing cars.
The industry employs in excess of 600,000 people across Australia- and that means there are lots of opportunities for anyone with a genuine interest, a great attitude and a desire to learn in an industry undergoing change through the many new and exciting developments in vehicle technology.
The automotive Industry is the answer.
The Automotive industry is not just limited to motor mechanics, auto electricians, spray painters or body repairers. The automotive industry today employs a diverse range of occupations including car and parts sales people, production manager’s, business and office administrators, human resource training managers, designers and engineers to name a few.
This choice is yours – accelerate your automotive career today by obtaining first hand information on what it’s like working in the automotive industry.
Where do I start?
Decide what area of the automotive industry you want to work in (look through career information material, talk to people in the industry, do work experience).
Contact employers. Direct contact is often best as 80% of positions are not advertised.
Look for potential employers in your local area, in the phone book, in the local and daily papers, ask friends, family, ask industry associations, in trade journals.
Once you have your list of companies check if you really want to work for them.
How far do you want to travel? Remember you will have to be able to get there each day, on time. Is the type of company you want to work for, big or small specialist or general?
Find out who in the company makes decisions on hiring. Speak to that person and ask if they have a few minutes to talk to you about your skills, their needs as an employer and the possibility of employment or work experience. If they are too busy now make time that it convenient to them for you to call back, in person is often best.
What qualities do I need?
Anyone who has the ability and enthusiasm for the job can be a trainee or apprentice. The minimum age limit is 15 years of age. You just need an employer who is willing to take you on as an employee, and you need to be able to demonstrate:
• A commitment to your career
• A positive attitude towards work and learning
• An ability to communicate with work mates and customers
• Enthusiasm and motivation
• The ability to understand and apply technical information
• An interest in the vehicle industry
• Be computer literate
• Responsible, flexible and able to function well in a team environment.
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What is a Traineeship? |
| • Traineeships are entry-level employment and training programs aimed at providing a career start to people entering a particular occupation or industry.
• They provide industry endorsed and accredited training tailored to suit both the apprentice and the employer’s needs.
• Traineeships are a workplace based training program, usually combining on the job training with off the job training.
• Some traineeships can be delivered entirely on the job with the help of a training plan and with assessments by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO)'s such as MTA NSW.
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What is an Apprenticeship? |
• Apprenticeships are entry-level employment and training programs aimed at providing a Trade Qualification to people entering a particular occupation or industry.
• They provide industry endorsed and accredited training tailored to suit both the apprentice and the employer’s needs.
• Apprenticeships are a workplace based training program, usually combining on the job training with off the job training.
• Training is delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This could be TAFE or a Private Training Provider such as MTA NSW.
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How to look for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship |
Step 1: Resume
a. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and professionally presented.
b. Compile a covering letter to go with your resume. This could be either a letter in response to an advertised vacancy, or a canvassing (enquiry) letter.
c. Assemble you own resume, references and supporting documentation in a presentation folder.
Step 2: Looking for jobs
a. Check newspapers for advertised jobs. Many employers begin to advertise about August for employees to commence work the following year; however, employers can advertise at any time during the year.
b. Use a Job Network. Be referred to the Job Network through Centrelink if receiving a Centrelink; otherwise, register with as many Job Network members as you wish.
c. Register with Group Training Companies. One Automotive Industry group training company is MTA Apprenticeships Plus, contact them on 1300 130 682
d. Register with other private agencies or labour hire companies. These are listed in the Yellow Pages under “Employment Services”
e. Search appropriate vacancy sites on the Internet s.
f. Contact potential employers – known as canvassing or speculative enquiry.
Step 3: Canvassing (suggested approach)
a. Identify potential employers by thinking about who is likely to employ this occupation: Yellow Pages telephone book, Graduate Outlook for cadetships, Unions or Employee associations.
b. Make a short list of targeted employers and telephone to get a contact name of the personnel/human resource manager or the manager for a small business. You may be able to talk to the person responsible for hiring people immediately, so be prepared to state your case and sell yourself.
c. Send a copy of your resume to each contact person together with a personally addressed covering letter, or present your letter of application/resume in person.
d. Telephone the contact person within 7-10 days of sending/delivering the letter as a follow-up.
e. Make contact with the employer on a monthly basis.
f. Advise the contact person if you are successful in finding a position. Maintain good will, as you may need to approach them again in the future!
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What are employers looking for? |
Employers commonly look for a few main things. These are probably the most important attributes that you can show to help you get a job.
Employability. Proof that you are employable is a big asset. Your employer needs to know that you will turn up everyday, on time and ready to work. Your past work record including part-time voluntary work or work experience can help here.
Ability to learn. As a trainee or apprentice there is a lot you will learn. You will be taught both formally (maybe of the job) and on the job. You must be able to pay attention, listen and remember what you have been told. This is important in any job.
Positive attitude and enthusiasm. Employers are often looking for attitude more than skills. If you have the right attitude you can learn the skills. Show your enthusiasm by knowing something about the job, the names of some common tools, types of cars or your previous work experience.
Team player. All work involves working with others. Employers want to know that you can get on with other people and work as part of a team to solve problems and get the job done. That you can do what you are told.
Do’s
• Plan what you want to say. Why do you want this type of work? Be prepared to tell your prospective employer why.
• Sell yourself. Remember this potential employer may have seen lots of applicants for the job why are you the one that should be chosen? Prepare some questions to show your interest.
• Take a copy of your resume with a contact number on it and leave it with the person you speak to. Make sure you can be contacted or a message left at the number you give.
• Be neat, clean and tidy, tie back long hair.
• Listen to what is being said and respond the best you can.
• Be enthusiastic and interested and be yourself.
Don’ts
• Be late
• Chew gum or smoke
• Mumble or act disinterested
• Panic
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What Careers are Available in Automotive? |
Automotive Administration Professional: As and Automotive Administration Professional you can work in areas like: Service Receptionist, Dealership Administrator/ Executive Assistant, Sales administrator, Finance and Insurance Clerk , Insurance and Loss Assessing Clerk , Valuating/Purchasing Clerk (stock controller).
Please see our flyer for more information Download .pdf file [000kb]
Automotive Vehicle Body Technician
Download .pdf file [94kb]
Download full version .pdf file [251kb]
As an Automotive Vehicle Body Technician you can work in specialized areas such as a Vehicle Painter, Panel Beater, Vehicle trimmers, Vehicle body builders, Window Tinter, Detailer, Dismantler, Glazer, Accessory Fitter
Automotive Marine Technician
Download .pdf file [118kb]
Download full version .pdf file [225kb]
As a Marine Technician you could in specialized areas such as: Servicemen, Installer, Mechanic or Trimmer and you would enjoy this type of work if you have a keen interest in working outdoor and in water related activities, you enjoy being prepared and have an ability to prioritize, have a medium level of maths and English, have good communication skills, have an ability to think on your feet, enjoy problem solving.
Automotive Mechanical Technician
Download .pdf file [94kb]
Download full version .pdf file [251kb]
As an Automotive Mechanical Technician you can work in areas such as: Light Vehicle, Motorcycle, Automatic Transmission Specialist, Brakes Specialist, Deisel Specialist, Driveline Specialist, Engine reconditioning specialist, Heavy Vehicle, Tyre Fitter and Repairer,
Automotive Sales Consultant
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Download full version .pdf file [203kb]
As an Automotive Sales Consultant you could inspect, prepare and present Automotive stock for sales, Provide advice and service in establishing customer relationships, Apply sales procedures taking into account the legal requirement relating to Automotive sales. You also have the chance to work in areas such as new and used automotive dealerships, farm machinery dealerships, parts specialists, automotive wreckers, marine retailer and wholesalers, bicycle retailers and wholesalers
Automotive Service Advisor
Download .pdf file [94kb]
Download full version .pdf file [206kb]
As an Automotive Service advisors you could work with Automotive Technicians to repair vehicle, provide advice and assistance to customer about their vehicle, costing of repairs/servicing & raising job cards, booking in customers and customer follow-up, invoicing, keeping track of work being done on customer cars, interpreting problems via workshop repair order, cash/till handling, provide high level customer service , build customer relations, perform office duties relating to a vehicle service environment
Bicycle Technician
Download .pdf file [91kb]
Download full version .pdf file [205kb]
As a Bicycle Technician you can work in specialised bicycle workshops, Bicycle Retail whops, Bicycle Manufactures, Service stations and auto repairers or for yourself
Automotive Electrical Technician
Download .pdf file [78kb]
Download full version .pdf file [245kb]
As an Automotive electrical technician you can Work with computer-controlled engine management and other systems, Diagnose, service, and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems, Install electrical equipment and electronically operated accessories, Use meters, test instruments and circuit diagrams to find electrical faults, Test, recondition and replace faulty alternators, generators, starter motors, and related items such as voltage regulators and batteries.
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For More Information - Contact MTA's Training Department -
ph: (02) 9213 4222 | fax: (02) 9212 6889 | email: training@mtansw.com.au
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