Josh Stemm commenced an apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Mechanics in 2003.  Josh started his apprenticeship immediately following the completion of his secondary schooling.  Although he had the Overall Position (OP) to attend University, he chose an apprenticeship as it gave him the opportunity to pursue his lifelong passion in automotive mechanics. 

The training he received during his apprenticeship extended Josh’s knowledge of how and why mechanical items operate, automotive or otherwise and the skills necessary to repair and service components and vehicles.  “An apprenticeship challenges all those who undertake it to ask the questions, of why, how and what”, Josh said.  Josh’s apprenticeship enabled him to examine a problem, apply the basic principles and find an answer to the many questions.  It has provided the foundation for his ongoing professional development and career progression.

Presently, Josh is employed by Eagers Holden in Newstead (which is part of the A. P. Eagers Group), Australia’s largest publicly listed automotive retail group.  He predominantly works on those vehicles with difficult problems which require extensive product knowledge and/or diagnostic skills.  On certain days when the Workshop Foremen are absent Josh serves as a vital link between the Technicians and Holden’s Technical Assistance Service on highly complex tasks.  “Knowledge to diagnose such problems requires enthusiasm and an ongoing dedication to learning.  The off-the-job training provided by TAFE gives a knowledge base, but the on-the-job part of the apprenticeship gives the necessary experience to gain industry competence and personal confidence”, he said.

Along with the generic apprenticeship requirements Josh has sought further knowledge and skills by completing a Diploma of Business (Human Resources) and a Diploma of Business Management.  This training has given him the confidence to deal with problems which from time to time arise with staff and customers.  In addition, this training has given Josh the confidence to discuss potential changes in workplace practices with senior management.

Josh recently had the opportunity to represent Queensland in the National Worldskills competition in Melbourne where he was placed in the top 3% of those apprentices who competed from all parts of Australia.  The Worldskills competition places the best of Australia’s apprentices against each other in their relevant trade occupations.  Josh has also dedicated extensive time to the Holden Tech Guild program – a nationwide competition for Holden Automotive Technicians entailing five examinations throughout each year.  He achieved the Senior level (the second highest award) in 2003 & 2004 and the Master level (highest award) in 2005.  At the 2006 Queensland Training Awards Josh was nominated the winner of the Apprentice of the Year category.  A truly appropriate Award for a young man committed to his apprenticeship, his employer and the automotive industry.

Josh is committed to successfully completing the Diploma’s in Business Management and Human Resources in which he is currently enrolled.  Upon completion of these he has the following long term goals:

• To attain management level within the next two or so years.  Then progressing to a position as General Manager before he reaches the age of thirty.  Following this he would like to form his own consultancy company, contracting to various companies, advising on possible ways to increase productivity and to minimize staff attrition rates through the establishment of effective business processes and human resource management strategies.
• Complete as degree in Human Resource Management and become a consultant, hiring and firing for major international companies.
• Complete mechanical engineering studies and become involved in the processes associated with the design and manufacturing of the modern motor vehicle.

Josh lives by the motto; “Always aim high, some goals you reach, others you just get close to.”  This mirrors the old adage, shoot for the stars and you’ll be sure at least to reach the moon.  Training and ongoing education in all its forms has contributed to developing Josh personally and professionally. 

 In addition to significant job satisfaction, and the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop professional skills Josh’s apprenticeship has served as a springboard to reach horizons in his career that he could not have anticipated when he started.  He has gained immeasurable knowledge and skills in his trade that has the potential to take him anywhere in the world.