Starting a new career at age 48 would be a daunting endeavour for anybody. But for Nikola Radulovic, who had already escape his worn-torn country in 1991 and adapted to Australia, his determination and resilience trumped any initial hesitations.
The collision repair industry often focuses on recruiting the next generation. But accommodating for people of all ages who are willing to re-skill can lead to dedicated new members of a knowledgeable team.
A long way away from the seaside city of Rijeka in Croatia, Nikola Radulovic has called Australia home for the last 33 years.
Originally born in Australia, Nikola was six years old when he and his family moved back to Croatia. When the Yugoslavia War began in 1991, Nikola escaped the conflict and decided at age 19, to leave his family behind and live in Australia.
“I had just finished high school when everything changed,” Nikola says. “Overnight the civil war began in Croatia.
“I had to flee.”
After working hard to establish and build a life for himself in Australia, Nikola’s parents and brother joined him in Sydney a few years later.
“It was hard to begin with. Not only was there the language barrier, but trying to find a job was challenging,” Nikola says.
Nikola worked in hospitality for 28 years, but the COVID lockdowns prompted a change in career.
With a lifelong interest in the automotive space, Nikola had often bought damaged cars from the auctions and restored them, ready to sell again.
“I already knew I enjoyed restoring cars,” Nikola says. “I had a lightbulb moment and decided to pursue it full time.”
After completing his apprenticeship, and spray painting and panel beating course at TAFE NSW, Nikola is now fully qualified at the age of 52. He is now working full time at W Parks Smash Repairs in Sydney.
“If I can finish it and follow it through, so can the young ones,” Nikola says.
“Being born here is such an advantage. You don’t have the language barrier, and everything is already familiar. You can really achieve anything you want.”
Passion for paint
As Nikola delved deeper into the industry over the past 4.5 years, his passion for paint and colours only grew.
“I love the different colours. My favourite is candy red,” Nikola says.
Learning how to apply colours and clears has been a welcome challenge for Nikola.
“Technique is a big thing. Learning how to mix paint and chemicals correctly and then apply it to the car for repair has been a test for me,” Nikola says.
“It’s not just the technique you have to learn, but all the different products and how and when to use them. There is a lot to learn but it’s been worth it.”
Nikola often reaches out to his TAFE teachers, Carl Tinsley and Dat Bui for some extra assistance.
“I still ring up both Carl and Dat when I need some extra help. They are always happy to help, even now when I’m no longer a student,” Nikola says.
“Carl’s knowledge of colours and products is very impressive.”
Nikola also reaches out to his panel technician teacher, Dat for guidance.
“Dat is always up for a chat. He has been very helpful over the four years I have known him,” Nikola says.
“I was actually older than Dat in the class. I sometimes played that card in class which we both still joke about.”
Doing the proper job
Learning how to repair a vehicle, and learning how to repair it well are sometimes entirely different pursuits. Nikola prides himself on his attention to detail and commitment to ensuring quality craftsmanship.
“There are so many shonky jobs out there,” Nikola says.
“We often do repairs not only on a vehicle’s original damage but also the previous repairer’s damage as well. It’s crazy how unsafe it can be.”
Treating each vehicle with the same level of care and attention is a key focus for Nikola. He cites European cars as being more time consuming and harder to fix than Japanese models.
“A couple of weeks ago we had an Audi R8 come into the workshop. My job was to take the rear bar off, and it took me three days to do it. It was a very complicated job.”
In his spare time, Nikola enjoys going to car shows and restoring old vehicles to pristine condition.
“I restored my brother’s Chevrolet Camaro 69 which was old and totally wrecked. It took me 1.5 years to finish it,” Nikola says.
“He takes his car to car shows and gets awards for best bodywork and paint job. I am happy to see him with his trophies and I am proud of my work.”
Repairing EVs
With a strong push from electric vehicle (EVs) advocate groups, and governments to purchase an EV, many repairers have found the repairing of EVs to be a challenging task.
One of the issues Nikola has encountered is the possibility these cars will be written off by the insurer because of potential damage to the large batteries that make up a big portion of the base of the vehicle.
“One EV we repaired had a damaged side skirt, and we couldn’t do any welding there because it was housing the battery,” Nikola says.
“I think the car manufacturers are still playing with the designs on how to build an EV that can be easily repaired.”
A grateful mindset
Despite the multiple hurdles Nikola has overcome to be a spray painter and panel technician, he remains thankful and grateful for his TAFE teachers and his boss, Van Bien Doan for continuing to encourage and support him.
“Van has been very fair to me, he’s been a good boss. He has shown compassion in teaching me the job,” Nikola says.
“I’m really enjoying my current workplace, it is a good environment.”
Enjoying his career, Nikola encourages others to consider a career in a trade.
“If I can do it at 52, so can young people too,” Nikola says.
“When I was at TAFE, there were a lot of 18 and 19 year olds who gave up and didn’t finish the course.”
“I think if you start something you need to finish it off and follow it through.”
Upon reflecting on his time in Australia since leaving Croatia, it is his determination that Nikola is the proudest of. Growing up quickly and escaping a worn torn country, Nikola learnt early on that you have to work hard for the things you want in life.
“I was determined to start a new career, but I was also determined to finish the course and my apprenticeship,” Nikola says.
“It’s been an achievement to show my child that no matter your age, you can still go after the things you want.”