Meet Harry, a fresh heavy diesel apprentice. From a young age, Harry had a knack for tinkering with things, whether it was assembling skateboards or diving into mechanical puzzles.
“I’ve always had an interest in mechanics and enjoyed the process of taking things apart and putting them back together,” Harry shares. “I remember getting a skateboard when I was young and always wanting to customise it with individual parts. Over time, I knew I wanted to work in an industry where I could work on engines and similar mechanical systems.”
Harry’s decision to pursue heavy diesel mechanics was driven by his research into different career paths. “The heavy diesel industry offers a lot of exciting opportunities.”
“I chose the MTA because I didn’t quite know where to start my journey” Harry explains. “A friend of mine had successfully gone through the MTA and landed an awesome job, which interested me. I had visited the MTA before but didn’t have my licence at the time. They encouraged me to gain more experience, so I went out to seek it. However, finding a placement was more challenging than I anticipated. Not many places were taking on inexperienced people for work. Eventually, I returned to MTA, and I was lucky enough to be given a chance.”
Looking ahead, Harry plans to stick with his host for a while after completing his apprenticeship, gaining valuable experience. He’s open to expanding his skill set, even considering training in Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance.
As for what excites him about the industry, Harry said it’s the practical skills that are transferable to everyday life. “Being able to handle basic tasks like changing a tire, jump-starting a battery, or performing an oil change not only saves you money but empowers you to be more self-reliant. Being able to do everything yourself is a great feeling” he says.
Harry is always excited about the ever-evolving nature of the industry. “It’s one of the few fields that’s constantly changing and adapting,” he notes. “Every day brings something new, and that’s the kind of job I wanted.”
Outside of his apprenticeship, Harry enjoys skateboarding, pulling off kickflips, and playing video games. “My favourite game has to be Dark Souls and I’ve probably finished Elden Ring four times,” he said.
Harry’s journey as a heavy diesel apprentice at MTA is just beginning, and with his love for mechanics and hard work, he’s set for a bright future.