6 minute read
Guiding Apprentices Towards Success in the Automotive Industry
by Boylen
In the expansive automotive industry, individuals like Phil Wyley play a crucial role in empowering and mentoring the next generation of aspiring professionals. With more than 25 years of experience in industrial refrigeration and engineering, Phil has embarked on a new venture as the MTA Automotive Industry Careers Mentor in the Northern Territory.
His expertise, coupled with a genuine passion for nurturing young talent, has made him an invaluable asset to the industry and MTA.
Phil's career path has been marked by diverse roles, including service manager and manager in the automotive sector. Having always enjoyed working with apprentices and fostering strong relationships with them, he sought a change that allowed him to utilise his transferable skills and make a lasting impact on the future generation of tradespeople.
Phil recognised the importance of training and improving the standard of tradespeople—an ongoing challenge he faced throughout his own years of hiring and mentoring apprentices.
Phil's driving force is witnessing young apprentices achieve their goals. Phil firmly believes in empowering apprentices to find their voices and become accountable and responsible professionals, even in the face of overwhelming transitions from school to the workplace.
His desire for change and challenge led him to the MTA. The opportunity to work in a new industry resonated with Phil, making it a natural choice. He was drawn to the MTA's comprehensive support system, which acts as a safety net for apprentices and ensures their success throughout their training.
One of the most common challenges Phil encounters when mentoring apprentices is their overwhelming transition from a school environment to a professional workplace.
“Apprentices can feel unsure and hesitant about the process, sometimes lacking the confidence to express themselves and be heard,” Phil says. “My own career experience helps me empathise with these concerns and address these issues.”
He provides reassurance to apprentices, reminding them that nobody expects them to know everything from the start and highlights the importance of having the right attitude, a strong work ethic, and a belief in oneself, assuring apprentices that they are never alone on their journey.
For individuals uncertain about their career paths or considering a change, Phil's advice is simple yet powerful: “Back yourself. Having a can-do attitude and a strong work ethic are crucial for success,” he explains.
Phil encourages apprentices and career seekers alike to trust in their skills and abilities, reminding them that with the right mindset, they can navigate any challenges that come their way.
Automotive is full of opportunity and apprenticeships empower young people to be in the driving seat of an exciting career.
While Phil is devoted to his role as a mentor, he maintains a healthy worklife balance and pursues personal projects and passions. Outside of the MTA, his property, a continual work in progress, allows him to indulge in building, maintaining, and growing his own vegetables. Additionally, Phil is a lifelong musician, having played the drums and has engaged in regular gigs.
Phil's philosophy is clear – he doesn't define himself solely by his work, but rather works to live a fulfilling and balanced life.
