Mature Age Automotive Apprenticeships at Auto Tech Group: From Paintbrushes to Pistons
- Auto Tech
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
A Fresh Start at 45: Why Mature-Age Apprenticeships Matter in Today’s Automotive Industry
At Auto Tech Group, we’ve always believed that passion doesn’t come with an expiry date. Neither does potential.
That belief comes to life every day through our people, like Stephen, one of our newest apprentices, who proves it’s never too late to start again.
Stephen joined our Malvern team earlier this year as a mature-age apprentice mechanic, bringing with him a lifetime of varied experiences. From managing retail stores and working in IT, to studying fine arts and even running his own business, all while his career as an exhibiting artist flourished.
Now, at 45, he’s taken a bold leap into the world of automotive repair, driven by a love of learning, a strong work ethic, and the kind of grounded perspective that only comes from life experience.
From Paint to Pistons
Before swapping canvases for car hoists, Steve spent decades in the arts and retail industries. This included working for Senior Art Supplies, a long time Malvern local that Auto Tech has known years.
“I always wanted to be an artist,” he said. “I studied a Diploma of Fine Art at Box Hill TAFE and a Bachelor Degree at Monash University, and I kept my own studio in Melbourne’s Nicholas Building for over fifteen years. But after working in retail for so long…I realised I wanted to do something more tangible, more needed.”
The move wasn’t a whim. It was the result of reflection, courage, and a clear-eyed understanding of what makes meaningful work.
“People need cars to be safe. They need their brakes fixed, their engines running right. It’s not a luxury, it’s essential. That makes the work matter,” Stephen said.
A New Chapter in the Workshop
Stephen completed his Certificate II in Automotive Studies at Box Hill TAFE earlier this year before officially starting his apprenticeship under the VACC program.
Now, surrounded by a team of experienced technicians and mentors at Auto Tech Malvern, he’s found his rhythm.
He’s already tackled complex jobs like diesel injectors and power steering replacements, earning the respect of his teammates for his persistence and curiosity.
“I come to work and never know what’s in store — and I love that. It keeps my brain engaged, and I go home feeling proud. I just want to learn as much as I can and become qualified.”
Why We Believe in Mature-Age Apprentices
Stephen's story isn't an exception at Auto Tech Group. It's part of a growing trend. Across the industry, there's increasing recognition that mature age apprentices bring something invaluable to their workplace: life experience, reliability, and a deep sense of purpose.
As one of our senior leaders put it during our chat:
"When you employ people who've lived a bit, they get it. They know what responsibility means. They understand teamwork and showing up on time. That maturity is gold in this trade."
With Australia facing a nationwide shortage of qualified automotive technicians, Auto Tech Group is committed to fostering new talent, whether they're 17 or 47.
We see apprentices as an investment not just in skills, but in people.
A Culture of Opportunity
At Auto Tech Group, we believe growth happens when people are given the chance to thrive. Our workshops are filled with technicians who started as apprentices with us and stayed for the long haul, because they're valued, mentored and supported to reach their full potential.
Stephen summed it up best:
"I'm grateful to be given this chance. I might be a first-year apprentice, but I bring maturity and commitment. I want to make life easier for the team, because I know what it's like to be the manager on the other side.""
He laughs when asked if he misses his retail career. "Not at all," he says. "Now, I fix things that really matter, and I go home feeling good about that." To top it off, Stephen has picked up the paintbrush again, rekindling his love of art alongside his new trade. Curious to see Stephen’s creative side? Take a look at his artwork here.
A Career Worth Starting...anytime!
Stephen's story is proof that it's never too late to find your calling, or to have more than one calling at a time.
Whether you're a school leaver or someone ready for a second act, a career in the automotive industry offers real stability, purpose, and pride.
And at Auto Tech Group, we'll always make room for people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and learn, no matter their age.
Interested in starting your own automotive apprenticeship? Auto Tech Group is always looking for passionate, hands-on people to join our growing team, for whom precision is a non-negotiable.
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