A car washing job inspired Darren to pursue a career in the automotive sector.
Through the National Skills Agreement, the Australian government is partnering with states and territories to deliver a stronger VET system across Australia, making it easier for students to develop skills in their chosen career path, just like Darren Quinn did.
Finding passion in the automotive sector
When Darren left school, he was disengaged, not great at maths or English, and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the future.
“To earn a wage, I got a job as a car washer at a car dealership. Within three days of working there, I knew I wanted to be a mechanic!” Darren said
From car washing to leadership
Six months later Darren was doing an apprenticeship in the automotive sector. With VET Engineering, Automotive Light Vehicle, Automotive Electrical and Training and Assessment qualifications under his belt, he is now the Training & Development Manager of a large automotive company in South Australia, incorporating four light vehicle car dealerships.
Darren has seen significant change and improvements in the sector throughout his career.
“There may be apprehension amongst young people to take up an apprenticeship and enter the automotive sector, because it’s seen as being very complex, especially with the wide use of computer-based electronics and the introduction of electric vehicles. But once they know the basics, they can advance quickly.” said Darren.
Darren is a firm believer that fundamental principles covered in VET apprenticeships and training going back as far as the early 1990s apply right now, just in a different way.
“We need to do a lot of work around educating younger cohorts that the same basic principles from 50 years ago still apply today.”
Clean energy and EVs
On clean energy, Darren predicts that electric vehicles will soon become the norm in big cities.
“Vast distances are holding back the use of electric vehicles nationwide, although infrastructure in regional areas is getting better,” he said. “Driven by good intention for clean energy, evolving emission laws are great and keep us honest.”
Although the evolution of electronics in cars is moving ahead at a rapid rate, Darren warns that quality standards need to keep in step.
“It’s pleasing to see that VET curricula are aligning with trends, and that RTOs are bringing emerging automotive technology and electric vehicles engineering and maintenance to the fore.”
Looking ahead
Darren has no plans to move on from the automotive industry saying, “If I had to choose a career again, I’d choose the automotive sector over and over again!”
In conclusion, Darren humorously quips, “Flying cars popularised by The Jetsons are not on the horizon yet, but with technology moving at such a rapid rate, they may not be that far off!”
The Australian Government’s investment in a stronger VET system through the National Skills Agreement is providing the skills Australia needs now and for the future.