Shoot for the Stars

Joshua Stemm finished his Mechanics apprenticeship in style, winning the 2006 Queensland Apprentice of the Year. He has already started moving up the ranks at a large Holden dealership and bought his first home at age 21. His ultimate ambition is to run a major automotive firm in this fast-paced industry.

In Josh's application for Australian Apprentice of the Year he writes: "Always aim high. Some goals you reach, others you get close. As the old adage goes, shoot for the stars and at least reach the moon."

With a father and grandfather involved in the automotive industry and a passion for mechanics, Josh started an apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Automotive Mechanics straight out of high school at Eagers Holden Newstead in Brisbane.

Josh says his training was critical in achieving a solid knowledge of the basic automotive principles — namely how and why mechanical items operate.

"It's all about process," he explains, "diagnosing the problem and then deciding on the avenues to repair it."

Josh has already been promoted at Eagers Holden and now works as part of the Service Advising team.

"I use and apply my mechanical knowledge even when I'm working in the office. I know the products and I can't bluff to any customers. I can explain to them clearly and accurately what we have done to their car, and why we have done it."

"As I see it, TAFE provides your knowledge base, but an apprenticeship gives you the tools to build the tower."

Josh says the trade is changing at a rapid pace, and as a result the industry really needs people who are switched on.

"The idea that a trade is for people who didn't make it through Year 10 simply doesn't apply anymore."

"Manufacturers are aiming for reliable, fluidless, all-electric vehicles," he explains. "There are more sensors, more electronics and therefore less of a chance the home mechanic understands what happens after the key is turned."

Josh also dedicates much of his time to helping colleagues, both in the workshop, and with the younger apprentices who are struggling with their TAFE work.

Throughout his apprenticeship he worked two jobs at any time, bar tending most weekends.

"Doing this kept me motivated and taught me the value of hard work."

His dedication has certainly paid off. He won the 2006 Apprentice of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards, providing him with a sense of achievement plus a Dell laptop and return flight to London.

"It was great. I got to backpack around Europe for a month."

In his spare time, he has somehow managed to build a show-winning car, win the Brisbane regional round of the WorldSkills competition, complete a Diploma of Business Management and purchase his first home.

The future prosects for Josh appear infinite and he is looking at proceeding in a number of directions, including reaching management level in the next two years.

"I aim to progress to General Manager by the age of 30, then perhaps after that, to form my own consultancy company."

Best part?
As a mechanic, I used to love getting one of those tricky ones that keep you baffled for days. And then when you finally figure it out - that's a great feeling. And I also love dealing with customers.

Hardest part?
Dealing with difficult customers, but I love them turning them into happy ones!

What qualities do you need?
You need to be driven, switched on and want to learn. And with the changes in technology, it helps if you are good at physics and maths.