Time for a change...

[XRU260]

Over recent months a certain sense of dissatisfaction with the progress of my career, I found myself exploring other options and considering a change. Due to falling into job after job straight out of school I had never really considered uni studies. I have never regretted this path, but I am aware of potential the shortcomings by not attaining genuine qualifications.

With all this in mind, I have accepted a job as a mature aged first year mechanic apprentice at City West Automotive which is located in the same complex as CCP. This is certainly my passion and I have always been a hands on type of guy. I am genuinely looking forward to the challenge. It should also benefit my involvement with Duncan & Marek in the Supersprints, the Brute ute in Irace and hopefully my own racing in EPCC and or Supersprints next year.

To the fellow members who have been CCP customers, thanks for your support, I have met some great people and real car enthusiasts (including finding this forum). I have also struck up a great friendship with Dan which has been an awesome laugh.

Just in case this hasn't been enough... I have also bought another ute. I am still waiting for the old ute to be repaired (it has now been over a month) and some parts will be swapped over once I have it back. I will start a proper build thread once things kick into action but rest assured, the new ute will be a lot of fun.

Cheers, Greg.

[Delft Maloo]

sounds like a good new challenge for you greg, all the best in the transition.

[XRU260]

Thanks mate

[NickS]

As someone who has been in the same job for 17 years (my only job at that ...) a career change is a big move in my books ... good on you for taking the plunge mate, all the best, hope it's what you're after.

We really do need to meet one day ... :lol:

[GMMAD]

Over recent months a certain sense of dissatisfaction with the progress of my career, I found myself exploring other options and considering a change. Due to falling into job after job straight out of school I had never really considered uni studies. I have never regretted this path, but I am aware of potential the shortcomings by not attaining genuine qualifications.

With all this in mind, I have accepted a job as a mature aged first year mechanic apprentice at City West Automotive which is located in the same complex as CCP. This is certainly my passion and I have always been a hands on type of guy. I am genuinely looking forward to the challenge. It should also benefit my involvement with Duncan & Marek in the Supersprints, the Brute ute in Irace and hopefully my own racing in EPCC and or Supersprints next year.

To the fellow members who have been CCP customers, thanks for your support, I have met some great people and real car enthusiasts (including finding this forum). I have also struck up a great friendship with Dan which has been an awesome laugh.

Just in case this hasn't been enough... I have also bought another ute. I am still waiting for the old ute to be repaired (it has now been over a month) and some parts will be swapped over once I have it back. I will start a proper build thread once things kick into action but rest assured, the new ute will be a lot of fun.

Cheers, Greg.

im in the same boat as you mate
ever since I left school I just went from job to job
never really 100% happy with any of them
I got a mature aged apprenticeship as well(mechanic)
and love it
but luckily I know a fare bit about this so I have got straight to 3rd year
but still have to do 2nd year next year
only doing it this way because 2nd year class was full
but hoping to get my ticket in 2 years

[BOMI]

Congrats and good luck!!

Troy :)

[35R]

Greg, it sounds like a good move mate, i think you've made the right decision in following what you want to do, and get a great qualification too. I wish you luck mate.

[WOMBIE]

That would have been a fairly tough yet brave decision to make but I'll bet your extremely excited at the same time :yep:

One of the nice guys and so good luck to you Greg there's no doubt in my mind that you'll succeed......all the best mate :)


Daz

[Kyle]

Congrats Greg! :)
All the best in your apprenticeship!

What's the approx $$ for a mature age mechanic apprentice these days?

[XRU260]

im in the same boat as you mate
ever since I left school I just went from job to job
never really 100% happy with any of them
I got a mature aged apprenticeship as well(mechanic)
and love it
but luckily I know a fare bit about this so I have got straight to 3rd year
but still have to do 2nd year next year
only doing it this way because 2nd year class was full
but hoping to get my ticket in 2 years

Well done mate, good to know I'm not the only one and great to hear you're enjoying it.

Expect the odd PM when I have a question. I have started the first year at TAFE already but I would like to try complete the work a bit quicker as I do knw a little about the work required.

Congrats Greg! :)
All the best in your apprenticeship!

What's the approx $$ for a mature age mechanic apprentice these days?

AFAIK it's $150 more for the first year and $100 for the second/third year. GMMAD might be the best person to answer what that really works out to be in the pocket.

[VooDoo]

Anytime i get ichy feet i just open another business :D

[toey]

all the best greg. good luck with the apprentiship hope it all goes to plan.

have to thank you for all your help and advice especially in the last few weeks, been very helpful.

will have to orginise a night out when i come down for the drag day in june

cheers
david

[GMMAD]

Well done mate, good to know I'm not the only one and great to hear you're enjoying it.

Expect the odd PM when I have a question. I have started the first year at TAFE already but I would like to try complete the work a bit quicker as I do knw a little about the work required.



AFAIK it's $150 more for the first year and $100 for the second/third year. GMMAD might be the best person to answer what that really works out to be in the pocket.
from what I was told 1st yr mature age gets 3rd year wage
but im not 100% on that
I get more then the award I started on $550pw take home

if you want to get through a bit quicker talk to the tafe about fast tracking it

[savvy]

Congrats Greg:cheers:



What's the approx $$ for a mature age mechanic apprentice these days?

At our workplace this is the apprentices pay rates for mechanics.

1st year $404.50
2nd year $582.20
3rd year $732.00
4th year $836.40
Adult $836.40


I heard that the adult apprentice age has moved from 21 to 25.
Any of you adult apprentices heard this or can confirm?

[XRU260]

Congrats Greg:cheers:



At our workplace this is the apprentices pay rates for mechanics.

1st year $404.50
2nd year $582.20
3rd year $732.00
4th year $836.40
Adult $836.40


I heard that the adult apprentice age has moved from 21 to 25.
Any of you adult apprentices heard this or can confirm?

25+ is my understanding too.

First day on the tools tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it.

[ShylanMotorsport]

well done mate!
Hope you enjoy!.....that 10 $$$$ tool allowance a week doesnt get you very far though!!!

[savvy]

25+ is my understanding too.

So when it comes to apprenticeships some adult's are not adult's. Thats a bit harsh!


First day on the broom tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it.

Fixed that bit for ya lol!

Enjoy your first day.

[GMMAD]

well done mate!
Hope you enjoy!.....that 10 $$$$ tool allowance a week doesnt get you very far though!!!

you get a $800 tool allowance after 3 months
$100 off rego
and I think it is $800 at the end of 1st,2nd,3rd year

[XRU260]

So when it comes to apprenticeships some adult's are not adult's. Thats a bit harsh!

Fixed that bit for ya lol!

Enjoy your first day.

Haha, yes there will be a bit of that involved as the new boss has already committed to a new hoist in the next couple of months. I hope that in a small workshop and not a dealer environment I will have to justify my own presence with a decent work load.

you get a $800 tool allowance after 3 months
$100 off rego
and I think it is $800 at the end of 1st,2nd,3rd year

Thats what I have read. The tool allowance is also in cash these days not the old voucher system. I have a decent set with the basics covered but I'm keen to hear any advice on what is needed or advisable to add first.

Greg

[GMMAD]

Haha, yes there will be a bit of that involved as the new boss has already committed to a new hoist in the next couple of months. I hope that in a small workshop and not a dealer environment I will have to justify my own presence with a decent work load.



Thats what I have read. The tool allowance is also in cash these days not the old voucher system. I have a decent set with the basics covered but I'm keen to hear any advice on what is needed or advisable to add first.

Greg
most tool/auto places have a kit
which usually contains
toolbox
3/8 and 1/4 drive socket sets
spaners,allen key set,punches

I already have a fairly big collection at home but dont really want to take it in then I cant work at home

I plan on getting socket sets,long 3/8 drive ratchet ,ratchet spaners,tool box
but $800 doesnt go real fare

[XRU260]

Ratchet spanners and a roller cabinet are at the top of my list. I know i'll be able to work at work when needed on the weekends which is good as I have bugger all room at home.

[ShylanMotorsport]

you get a $800 tool allowance after 3 months
$100 off rego
and I think it is $800 at the end of 1st,2nd,3rd year

Fuck......i got none of that when i did my time!!!!!!!!!!:rocket:

[XRU260]

Survived the first day! And no cleaning!

First job was brake pads on a falcon ute which must be an omen as I own two.

Then I got real dirty pulling the box out of an unloved Holden Metro. I’m not sure it’s the common task on your first day but a good challenge and a lot more fun than the previous job!

[ShylanMotorsport]

HAHAHA good work mate............
Happy Bday too mate! :cheers:

[GMMAD]

Survived the first day! And no cleaning!

First job was brake pads on a falcon ute which must be an omen as I own two.

Then I got real dirty pulling the box out of an unloved Holden Metro. I’m not sure it’s the common task on your first day but a good challenge and a lot more fun than the previous job!

your boss probably knows you know falcons that is why you got it
I get all the commodores at my work
which is good
Im fixing a VYSS twin turbo 402 atm
done cams and valve springs on a BA today as well

[Dan_]

Survived the first day! And no cleaning!

First job was brake pads on a falcon ute which must be an omen as I own two.

Then I got real dirty pulling the box out of an unloved Holden Metro. I’m not sure it’s the common task on your first day but a good challenge and a lot more fun than the previous job!

You should have sub contracted the pad change out. We both know who the real pro is when it comes to falcon brakes!

[XRU260]

HAHAHA good work mate............
Happy Bday too mate! :cheers:

Thanks mate

your boss probably knows you know falcons that is why you got it
I get all the commodores at my work
which is good
Im fixing a VYSS twin turbo 402 atm
done cams and valve springs on a BA today as well

He is a BMW specialist but give me a Falcon or a Commy any day! Were the cams on a I6, 3V or 4V?

You should have sub contracted the pad change out. We both know who the real pro is when it comes to falcon brakes!

That is the funny bit, I get you to do my own brakes! I knew your were only a phone call away if I had any issues.

[savvy]

Re tools, you can get some mechanics or apprentice kits, this will save you money rather than buying individual and has most tools to do the job.

Below is an example of what i'm talking about.

http://justtools.com.au/prod3534.htm

http://justtools.com.au/prod3691.htm

Don't be hung up on buying Snap on, i usually buy Snap on/Bluepoint for specialty tools or tools i use often.

This week i bought a set of Bluepoint 8mm-19mm ratchet spanners for $300 and the Snap on ones were more than double with less pieces.

There is plenty time to build that box up later.

[GMMAD]

Thanks mate



He is a BMW specialist but give me a Falcon or a Commy any day! Were the cams on a I6, 3V or 4V?




whats 16,3v 4v?
it was just a vct twin cam falcon

[GMMAD]

Re tools, you can get some mechanics or apprentice kits, this will save you money rather than buying individual and has most tools to do the job.

Below is an example of what i'm talking about.

http://justtools.com.au/prod3534.htm

http://justtools.com.au/prod3691.htm

Don't be hung up on buying Snap on, i usually buy Snap on/Bluepoint for specialty tools or tools i use often.

This week i bought a set of Bluepoint 8mm-19mm ratchet spanners for $300 and the Snap on ones were more than double with less pieces.

There is plenty time to build that box up later.
they would be nice but you only get $800
Ill add another $200 to make it a 1k

[XRU260]

whats 16,3v 4v?
it was just a vct twin cam falcon

I6 is the inline 6 motor in the XT/XR6

3V is the 3 valve 5.4L V8 which is an option in the XT etc

4v is the 4 valve Boss 260/290 5.4L v8 in the XR8/GT's

Tool wise I already have a SP Tools 200 odd tool kit which has the basics covered. I'll see what the local Snap On rep has on sale when he stops in next, otherwise I'm pretty happy with the SP tools.

[Muncha]

Congrats on getting through the first few days. I hope it all goes well for ya.

[DaveHAT]

Good on ya Greg ... I wish I'd done something like this many years ago when I realised my choice of "career" was "not the cleverest". :headbang:

[GMMAD]

I6 is the inline 6 motor in the XT/XR6

3V is the 3 valve 5.4L V8 which is an option in the XT etc

4v is the 4 valve Boss 260/290 5.4L v8 in the XR8/GT's

Tool wise I already have a SP Tools 200 odd tool kit which has the basics covered. I'll see what the local Snap On rep has on sale when he stops in next, otherwise I'm pretty happy with the SP tools.
ah ok I know sfa about fords
it was a I6