Former apprentice now supporting today’s apprentices

Image: Horsham Rural City Council Fleet Supervisor Tim McDonald (right) is pictured with Diesel Automotive apprentice Levi Clarke.

As Skillinvest celebrates 40 years of building futures through employment, education and training, we’re sharing stories that reflect the people, partnerships and opportunities that have helped shape the organisation’s journey over the past four decades.

After beginning his career as a diesel mechanic apprentice through Skillinvest in 2011, Tim McDonald now helps support and mentor apprentices hosted through Skillinvest in his role as Coordinator Workshop and Fleet with Horsham Rural City Council.

Tim’s apprenticeship began after he made the decision to leave an office-based role and pursue a more hands-on career. With a family history in the automotive industry and a strong interest in heavy vehicles, an apprenticeship offered the opportunity to develop practical skills while building a career in an industry he genuinely enjoyed.

“An apprenticeship seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain the practical skills and qualifications I needed while building a secure career in an area I genuinely enjoyed,” Tim said.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Tim was encouraged to take pride in his work, continually develop his skills and strive for excellence. The support he received helped build his confidence and set the foundation for future opportunities. He also credits the guidance of his Skillinvest supervisor as an important influence on his career journey.

Following the completion of his apprenticeship, Tim secured a full-time diesel mechanic position with Horsham Rural City Council. Over the years, he progressed into a Team Leader Fleet role before being appointed to his current position as Coordinator Workshop and Fleet, where he oversees Council’s strategic plant replacement program while continuing to support workshop staff.

The experience gained during his apprenticeship continues to shape the way he approaches his work today.

“The experience I gained through my apprenticeship and my time on the tools has been incredibly valuable in my current role,” he said.

“Having that mechanical background helps me understand what our operators and workshop staff need, allowing me to make more informed fleet purchasing decisions.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Tim’s current role is working with apprentices and helping them develop their own careers.

Having benefited from strong support and mentorship as an apprentice, he now understands the importance of providing that same guidance and encouragement to others entering the industry. Through his role, he has the opportunity to work with and support apprentices hosted through Skillinvest, just as he once was himself.

“Having completed an apprenticeship myself, I understand how important good guidance and encouragement can be,” Tim said.

“I was fortunate to have people who supported my development and pushed me to improve. I try to offer that same support to the apprentices I now work with.”

He said seeing apprentices gain confidence, develop their skills and build their careers is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“It is very rewarding to now be able to pass on some of the knowledge and support that was given to me and help the next generation build their own careers.”

For those considering an apprenticeship today, Tim’s advice is simple.

“Give it a go and make the most of every opportunity to learn,” he said.

“An apprenticeship gives you practical skills, real-world experience and a strong foundation for your future career. You never know where the skills and experience you gain during an apprenticeship might lead.”