Field Service Diesel Mechanic
Name: Ashley Belteky
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: I studied VCE English Language, Literature, Math Methods and Business Management in my final two years of school alongside a VET subject in Automotive Studies.
Favourite: I thoroughly enjoyed all my classes, but my standout was undeniably my VET Automotive Studies class. It was awesome as it provided the opportunity to engage both my hands and my brain to learn and work. The depth of knowledge required to successfully conduct routine maintenance on both light vehicles and diesel engines was substantial. I had to apply my understanding practically to successfully execute tasks, such as setting the clearance between components inside an engine to a specific thousandth of an inch (which is very small).
Further study: TAFE
where and what: I completed a Cert III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Kangan Institute at their Automotive Center of Excellence in Docklands, Melbourne.
"The best thing you can do to build confidence in your decision is sign up for Work Experience. Completing Work Experience is like taking a career for a test drive."
the inside scoop…
What does a Field Service Diesel Mechanic actually do? As a Field Service Diesel Mechanic, I handle routine maintenance, repairs, and fault diagnosis on various machines, whether in workshops or on construction sites. My tasks include working on on-site generators, 60-tonne excavators, bulldozers, and massive dump trucks, ensuring well-maintained equipment for timely and budget-friendly project completion. Despite doing well in my academic studies, my smarts didn't go to waste in a trade career. They proved valuable, enhancing my problem-solving skills for addressing machine issues. I find purpose in supporting site teams by maintaining their machines, which contributes to my job satisfaction because I help them to succeed in their work too. In instances of machine breakdowns during critical project phases, I have to travel on-site to apply my knowledge to swiftly restore machine operation - kind of like an everyday superhero.
What does a day in your life at work look like? On a typical day, I will start in the workshop with the rest of my team to complete our morning pre-start. Then, I pack my work ute (which already has all my tools in the ute toolboxes) with oils, filters and any parts I need to drive out to sites. If repair or service works aren't already scheduled with sites, I will call them in advance to give them notice. When I arrive on-site, I check in with site management to learn how to drive through the site to access the machine and select the correct UHF radio channel. Then, I'll carry out the parts replacement, service or fault diagnosis before I move on to the next machine or repair.
What's the best part of your job? My favourite part about being a Field Service Diesel Mechanic is that I truly get the best of both worlds, every day. I need to use my brain and my hands to get the job done, so I'm mindful and engaged in my work. Every time I complete a repair or service, it brings a feeling of achievement. And, when I solve a difficult fault in a machine, not only have I learned something new, but I'm proud of myself for my problem-solving success. Being a Field Service mechanic also means that I never get bored from being in the same place or working on the same machine over-and-over. The result is that I really love my job!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I discovered construction after working in Transport and Mining. Unlike my past roles, the construction industry became my favourite due to its ever-changing nature, offering diverse and engaging tasks daily. I realised it could be a great option for me because it is a huge industry, which means there are lots of opportunities within it.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? When it comes to picking a career, it can be hard to know whether you're making the right decision for yourself if you have no prior experience in that industry. The best thing you can do to build confidence in your decision is sign up for Work Experience. Completing Work Experience is like taking a career for a test drive. You'll get a feel for what the industry, the workplace and the work, is like. You will learn the parts you like about the job, and maybe some parts you don't. Either way, you will come back with more knowledge about the career you are pursuing so you can make a more confidence decision about the pathway you want to follow.
Tell us about a time you made a difference in your work. I make a difference everyday by being in the industry and being out on-site. I often received feedback that machine operators and site supervisors enjoy having me visit site to complete repairs or servicing because I bring a warm, friendly attitude and optimism that lifts the mood and energy of others around me. As women, our diversity of personality, attitude, and individuality, is a breath of fresh air in the male-populated construction scene and that just by showing up every day - to work we enjoy - that we make a positive difference amongst our teams and workplaces.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? The construction industry boasts numerous opportunities beyond what any poster can convey. Many unique job roles and project types become apparent only once you're actively involved in the field. Considering this, I'd advise my high-school self to engage in Work Experience in construction multiple times. Seize the chance to explore various aspects, such as commercial versus residential construction, trade careers, or project management roles. Lived experiences provide invaluable insights that cannot be gained through theoretical knowledge alone. Don't hesitate to sign up for work experience, even if it's just for a day during school holidays. Take the construction industry for a test drive – you never know what valuable lessons you might learn about yourself and the industry!
Ashley is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Ashley Belteky" and we'll pass your message on.