Author Topic: What's it like in Clayton? (Read 20844 times)

Radam · « **Reply #100 on:** April 02, 2012, 01:18:52 AM »

Sounds good to me. I'm trying to get all my stuff together to get into the Uni. I found a one year long class to be get certified as a motorcycle mechanic. It's not the cheapest school in the world, but I think I'll be able to get 25% off because my wife works there. I don't know all the details on it yet either. I'm going to talk to someone in person tomorrow about it. If the school deal works out I'm gonna be the happiest guy on the block!

petercb750 · « **Reply #101 on:** April 02, 2012, 02:53:09 AM »

You can get a trade in 12mths at uni???

Sorry to sound negative, but I'd be checking very closely what it is you end up with, it might not make you any more employable than you are now - no disrespect intended but I'd be interested to know what the qual is at the end. Employers may not recognize it.
Peter.

maduncle · « **Reply #102 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:07:16 AM »

I would be interested to hear about this uni course too, as I was looking around for evening study on motorcycle mechanics and couldn't find anything.

MILO · « **Reply #103 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:28:22 AM »

I'm with peter on that, I'm fairly sure that you would be up for at least 3 years to do a trade

Radam · « **Reply #104 on:** April 02, 2012, 02:44:44 PM »

I've been pretty skeptical myself, but I'm going today to see what the deal is today. The 2-3 year courses are apprenticeships. This is just a class. I'll let you all know what I find out. Sounds too good to be true, which usually means it is. I'll look for the information I found on it and post it up here. I think it's a mechanic III for motorcycles and light vehicle?

Radam · « **Reply #105 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:16:47 PM »

I found it!http://www.eaa.edu.au/UserFiles/File/EAA%20Domestic%20Cert%20III%20Aut(Mc)%20-%20May10.pdf Unless I'm confused by the way you all describe things differently here, which is possible, I think it says that you're qualified to work in a shop after this course.

"Successful completion of this course will qualify graduates to work as Automotive Tradespersons (motorcycle mechanics)
in motor workshops, service centers, reputed motorcycle manufacturers and automotive dealers representing multinational
motorcycle manufacturers."

That means you can get a job in a mechanic shop where I come from.

Anyway, I'm going to the place on Elizabeth St. today to get an application and talk to them in person about the course. I'll report back later.

petercb750 · « **Reply #106 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:30:46 PM »

I work in the apprenticeship industry - mechanics is a 4yr apprenticeship. If you're thinking of the uni course for your own interest and as a hobby, then it is probably quite ok if you want to pay the loot. There are other places that have courses along the same lines that cost less than uni, eg tafe.
But if you're looking to work in the industry, I'd be very skeptical that the uni course is recognized and will open doors for you. Employers will want practical proven skills not just a certificate, unless you're lucky.
Looking forward to hearing the details you gather today.
Peter.

Radam · « **Reply #107 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:40:14 PM »

Thanks. I've been trying to get into an apprenticeship, but can't. I don't know if they just don't like Americans, or if it's just hard to get into.

The info I've found on it says that you can get a motorcycle certificate in 2-3 years and auto in 4. I'm sure you know more about it, but that's the info I've found. I'd like to learn more about he newer bikes too, so I may take this course. If someone gives me the chance to "prove myself" then maybe I'll have a shot at getting a job. It's either this, or try to get back into horticulture classes. If you have any information that may help me find an apprenticeship to get into I'd appreciate it. Cheers!

petercb750 · « **Reply #108 on:** April 02, 2012, 03:45:34 PM »

There are also a lot of RTO's (registered training organisations) who will tell you anything and promise the chance of full time work etc etc to get you to sign up for their courses. Try and speak to other students or others who have done the course. Also speak to a couple of motorcycle dealers and ask them what they think - better to see what outcomes there are before you part with your money (btw, how much is it if you don't mind?)
If it was that easy and that successful, everyone would be doing it, including me possibly, hahaha.
In many years in my job I've not seen one mechanic that got his certificate in a one year course and then landed a job out of it.
BUT, if you are successful at this and it gets you where you want, then all good for you.

Your latest post came through as I was typing the above - your best option imo to get an a'ship (I assume you are over 25yo) is to speak to a Groupt Training Organisation (GTO) in Vic who can talk to you about options and maybe help you find an "adult apprenticeship" position for you - there is more funding for >25yo and if you already have some tool skills and an idea around a bike you quite possible could be a good candidate - yes a'ship wages apply, but with the adult funding it's not disgusting, just not real good. But you get paid while you learn, as opposed to forking out big dollars and no job.
Go here www.gtaltd.com.au/

Radam · « **Reply #109 on:** April 02, 2012, 04:16:04 PM »

Thanks again for the info. I'll talk to some of the bike shops while I'm in the area. I'll be heading out as soon as my wash is ready to hang. I finally got a washer! Oh yeah, the price is around $12k I think. As I said before, it's a bit pricey.

petercb750 · « **Reply #110 on:** April 02, 2012, 06:36:17 PM »

Quote from: Radam on April 02, 2012, 04:16:04 PM

Thanks again for the info. I'll talk to some of the bike shops while I'm in the area. I'll be heading out as soon as my wash is ready to hang. I finally got a washer! Oh yeah, the price is around $12k I think. As I said before, it's a bit pricey.

maduncle · « **Reply #111 on:** April 02, 2012, 09:47:37 PM »

Quote from: Radam on April 02, 2012, 04:16:04 PM

Thanks again for the info. I'll talk to some of the bike shops while I'm in the area. I'll be heading out as soon as my wash is ready to hang. I finally got a washer! Oh yeah, the price is around $12k I think. As I said before, it's a bit pricey.

$12,000 for a years training?

How about you go find a motorcycle repair shop and offer to work for them for free to the value of $12,000 (which is probably 2 days a week for a year) and I reckon you would learn a heap more and it would end up costing you less. Then you could get a job for the other 3 days and earn some dough.

I am going to talk to Craig at Mischief Makers and see what he thinks about apprentices and work opportunites.

Radam · « **Reply #112 on:** April 02, 2012, 10:51:55 PM »

Ok, I went and talked to the people. They aren't doing the motorcycle course at the moment because there wasn't enough interest. I'm guessing it's because it cost so damn much. It is a certificate III the same as if you did the apprenticeship. The price is crazy, but when I looked up how much it costs to do a'ship it's something like $3,600 per year for 3-4 years. I got to talk to one of the instructors after blowing the desk lady's mind with so many questions. He said many people do get work straight out of the school, but some have jobs at shops while they're in the school. Not apprentice, just jobs. My question is, what does it take to get a job at a shop? I don't have any references here, and I don't have previous work experience in mechanics. I've worked on my bikes/cars myself, but how would a shop know if I was lying? I've ben trying to find work at a shop, but with no luck so far.

On a better note (I may have gotten a little off subject up there), The guy said that there are also auto mech certifications that are still going on. Same deal, but right now they have a deal where it's only $6k a year. With that you can either do auto mechanic technology certificate III(or something like that), or auto electrical certificate III. They also had a metal fabrication school too. I've worked in metal fab, and I'm not sure that's a career I want to do all my life, but I do have some previous knowledge and have taken welding courses at the Uni where I'm from. Alright, crazy ramble over. My head is about to explode. Time to finish this bottle of wine and get another before the wife gets home.

Oh yeah, the bicycle lane can get crazy!

petercb750 · « **Reply #113 on:** April 03, 2012, 12:44:13 AM »

Mate, no a'ship is going to cost YOU $3600 per year. In fact, no a'ship is going to cost anybody that much.
Employers get govt funding, and normally pay the tafe fees for the apprentice out of that. You would in fact get $5500 for tools over the 4 years over and above your wages, be working full time (and therefore accruing 4weeks annual leave per year, 2 weeks sick leave (in most cases) and get paid for public holidays - yes Oz isn't a bad place to work really), go to tafe on a regular basis and still get paid while you're there, and learn more on the job while your doing it than you'll ever learn in a uni lecture room. And it won't cost you a cent. How can all that not be a good thing??

Of course the trainer at this place would tell you that many people get jobs after the course....but have you met any? I haven't. He's paid to say things like that to get numbers on their books - he's not about to tell you that "nobody gets jobs, it's crap mate".

To get a job in a shop you just need to be persistent and harrass the hell out of them, and even offer to work for a week for nothing to show your worth (that is technically illegal, but if you offer, then it sort of negates that, but a lot of employers are wary of it now - too many OHS issues). Visit them in person, with a CV, speak to the RIGHT person (eg owner or the hirer/firer), and remember - you need to make an impression when you first walk in, it's too late when you're walking out. You may have to offer yourself as general dogsbody, ie gofa, and then work your way up to where you really want to be.

Trouble is they won't want to pay an unknown "sensible" wages, but will be more inclined to pay a'ship wages, especially if there is extra funding for you as an over 25yo.
Like I said, go talk to a GTO and see what they say. I'd offer to do that for you but being from another state will mean there will be slight differences and I may give you a bum steer. The GTO will discuss all options and benefits/shortcomings of all possibilities.

Personally, I think anyone paying $12k for a year of training needs help. It's a gross rip-off.

Maybe maduncle might come up with something for you too.
Cheers
Peter.

Radam · « **Reply #114 on:** April 03, 2012, 01:33:05 AM »

Thanks again Peter. I'll go talk to a GTO as soon as I can. I looked up a few around from that website you sent me. I didn't understand that I wouldn't be the one paying for the a'ship either. Also, these are prices for an overseas person (me). I'm not sure how much this would all cost to an Aus citizen. I have been going to shops in person rather than call or email. I try my best to make a good first impression because I do understand you only get one chance to make a good first impression. I didn't know that I should be telling them I'd be willing to work for free for a week to show them what I can do. I understand this is mainly just to show them I'm interested, but I think it'll be a good thing to do. I have mentioned that I would be willing to start from the bottom and work my way up. I guess I just have to keep it up and try not to get discouraged. Thanks again for all your help.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #115 on:** April 03, 2012, 02:12:51 AM »

Hey Pete, are you suggesting that my mail order locksmith diploma won't get me a highly paid job like the advert in the "Picture" magazine suggested? Damn! Oh well, these lock picks that came in the mail will still make me lots of moola, ha ha!

Adam, don't be discouraged mate, but don't blow $12K on a course that won't get you through the door at any bike shop here in Melbourne either. You're going to be here for awhile, so find something that will give you an income, and work on your "dream job" as time and opportunity permits. Cheers, Terry.

petercb750 · « **Reply #116 on:** April 03, 2012, 02:38:49 AM »

haha Terry - I hope you didn't pay too much for that diploma

Diploma plus bonus lock picks......love it

maduncle · « **Reply #117 on:** April 03, 2012, 04:19:28 AM »

I tend to agree with Terry on this one (which means I better go and lie down - I must be dizzy) but what he said - get a job that pays a living wage to start with, and then work on the dream job.

My dream job is to own and manage a motorcycle garage that does cool custom bikes and has a cafe and shop attached - just like Deus in Sydney, but here in Melbourne.

But - I am lightyears away from doing that (well - maybe ten years)...

Radam · « **Reply #118 on:** April 03, 2012, 03:08:59 PM »

Yeah, I'll end up getting whatever job I can find. It's just been a little rough moving across the world. Things are a bit different here, and we're not at all used to this big of a city. We came from a city of about 85k including students at the uni. Hopefully I can find something near the house at least until I get some wheels. I probably should go take my forklift test because I have about 8 years experience driving them. It's not a bad job, I was just hoping to get into something different. Maybe later.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #119 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:18:50 AM »

Yep, don't get discouraged mate, and if you decide to stay here we might both get jobs working for Cliff eventually.

maduncle · « **Reply #120 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:34:55 AM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on April 04, 2012, 03:18:50 AM

Yep, don't get discouraged mate, and if you decide to stay here we might both get jobs working for Cliff eventually.

There's not enough Johnny Walker in the country to pay you a full time wage Terry!

Hey Adam, I spoke to my mate Craig tonight and something might come up with him in his bike workshop later in the year once he has moved premises. I will keep you informed.

Radam · « **Reply #121 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:07:08 PM »

Thanks mate! I got a bunch of CV's printed up so I can drop them at some shops. I reckon I'll talk to the local shops and also ask them about what they think of that course. See if anyone ever hires graduates from there. Still, I can't afford $12k. If they course was only around $2k I may take the chance.

Anyone familiar with hydronic heating? That's what my house uses. I tried to turn it on a few days ago to make sure it works, and it didn't come on. The only place I know to turn it on is from the little digital thermostat on the wall. Just thought I should make sure it works before it gets cold.

Radam · « **Reply #122 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:50:59 PM »

Another question. (sorry if I bother everyone with heaps of questions) What beaches would you all recommend that are accessible by train. I think we're going to finally get a little farther out of the city tomorrow. Abby has a 4 day weekend for the holiday. We probably won't be staying overnight, just a day trip to the beach.

maduncle · « **Reply #123 on:** April 04, 2012, 04:06:14 PM »

Quote from: Radam on April 04, 2012, 02:50:59 PM

Another question. (sorry if I bother everyone with heaps of questions) What beaches would you all recommend that are accessible by train. I think we're going to finally get a little farther out of the city tomorrow. Abby has a 4 day weekend for the holiday. We probably won't be staying overnight, just a day trip to the beach.

You can get to St.Kilda beach by tram (Number 96) and you can get down to Port Melbourne too. I would head for St.Kilda and check it out - good food, good shops and plenty to see - plus beaches.

As for hydronic heating, if you have just turned it on for the first time it can take a day before you feel any heat so give it time.

Radam · « **Reply #124 on:** April 04, 2012, 04:30:23 PM »

We've been to St. Kilda, so I think we'll try to get a little farther out. I'll try the heater for longer if it cools down this weekend.

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Author Topic: What's it like in Clayton? (Read 20844 times)

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