WorldSkills Australia Nationals – Brisbane 2010 – Auto electrical

Jake had a friend who owned a business in town as an auto electrician, and he started working there when he was in year 10 (during holidays until he finished high school). When he finished school, Jake started his apprenticeship (Jan 2008) and now he has 18 months to go.

Jake loves working on all types of cars but his job extends beyond that – the company he works for also fixes Brumby airplanes, boats and high performance vehicles.

He likes the technology of cars, Jakes says it feels good to make something go. His job involves diagnosing faults, fitting accessories in new cars and general repairs.

Jake got into the WorldSkills competition through TAFE. He currently enjoys  being in the competition but said to ask again on Monday!  He’s been training as best he can in between work.

His broad variety of work is good for his experience but will be a challenge in the competition as often projects are based on particular cars – thus the competitors who usually work a dealership will know their brand or car back to front and have an advantage.

Jake is from Cowra NSW. His father owns a diesel workshop in town, he believes that this may have influenced his decision regarding getting into the trade and his brothers work on farms – in total he has spent 1 year being around cars.

VJ David Emge