Shining a spotlight on the Apple Isle, this month’s Future Leader is award winning Jack West from southern Tasmania.
NCR spoke with Jack about his most recent award win, and on his experiences and learnings so far in the automotive repair industry.
The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) held their annual President’s Gala Dinner at the Palladium at Crown on the 29th of June.
An array of awards were presented on the night, including apprenticeship and automotive excellence awards. Jack took home the TACC Apprentice of the Year Award under his apprenticeship workplace, European Technology Bodyworks, Bocchino Pty Ltd.
Jack says he was thrilled by the recognition of his efforts with the award. “I am very happy to have won and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the presentation night,” Jack says.
Growing up in Hobart, Tasmania, Jack’s first dabblings in the industry was through work experience while completing his Year 10 studies. Now, five years later, Jack has completed his certificate 3 in Automotive Body Repair Technology at TasTAFE, and is working full time at European Technology Bodyworks, Bocchino Pty Ltd.
“I am currently working on small to large jobs on all types of vehicles. It is great to reflect on how far I have come,” Jack says.
Navigating the automotive repair industry is a challenging career path, with the constant changes and training, and Jack has done well to adapt and continues to work hard at learning. Jack’s favourite part of the job is seeing the end result.
“Seeing the final product of my hard work is my main motivation,” Jack says.
Jack identified the key traits and attributes that he has observed in his career so far that have made a good leader.
“Problem solving and communication are two areas that I would highlight. Both traits have been essential in my learning and apprenticeship so far,” Jack says.
Jack’s colleagues at Bocchino Pty Ltd have encouraged him each step of the way, and celebrated his Apprentice of the Year award with him at the President’s Gala. The General Manager at Bocchino Pty Ltd, Angelo Bocchino, praised Jack for his growth and integration into their team.
“Since joining our team, Jack has shown remarkable growth and development. Initially quite shy, he has developed into a confident and integral part of our team,” Bocchino says.
“His hard work and diligent focus on every task have been exemplary. He consistently collaborates effectively with his colleagues, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure his work is flawless.”
“His respectful and honest demeanour has garnered him the trust and admiration of both his peers and clients. “Furthermore, his readiness and proactiveness in assisting others whenever needed highlights his commitment to the success of our team and to the workshop as a whole.”
Next in line for Jack is to further develop his training and development through upskilling in his new area of interest.
“I would like to start a spray painting apprenticeship in the future. I am always thinking of ways to improve and learn new skills,” Jack says.
With five years in the industry, and an apprentice of the year award to his name, Jack is well placed to share some advice for young people entering the automotive repair industry.
“My main advice would be not to be afraid to ask for help,” Jack says. “We all have to start somewhere.”