Libby graduated from Timboon P-12 School, completing Year 12 in 2020. Libby changed her first idea about being a pastry-chef to being a mechanic, after she experienced working in hospitality and realised that it wasn’t quite what she had imagined – it wasn’t ‘quite her’. She then decided to undertake a two-week trial of working on cars at Timboon Motors before her Year 12 Graduation. Although Libby said that all she knew about cars was that they had four wheels and took you from A to B, in truth, it is in her blood! Her grandfather races Super Rods and Libby has always been involved in the races at the Simpson Speedway, as well as watching her family build and modify the cars. Libby wanted an occupation which was true to herself and she found it - working on cars - including her own. Libby talked about the freedom and opportunities which are provided when owing a car. When she asked the students what type of car they wanted in the future, they exploded with suggestions and it was if we were in a competitive race, with students shouting out their favourite models. (The staff joined in too!) We all certainly had a good laugh. We love cars!
Libby recommended to the students that they also trial different jobs through work experience, to ensure that their chosen vocation was suitable for them. Libby has learned so much in the workshop and is well-supported by the team. She can provide a general service in 30 to 40 minutes and she recommended that we always check the oil, water and tyre pressure, to ensure a safe ride as well as preserving our tyres, which again saves money. Her job doesn’t just stop when she has finished the service because she also needs to record the Repair Order Number (RON) and write down all items which are used, as well as the time spent performing the job for the accounts department. Libby might have hated school but her literacy skills are again being used, and play an essential role in the business.
Libby also attends a TAFE course which is paid for by Timboon Motors. It provides hands-on learning and it is the TAFE provider who will sign-off her apprenticeship when she becomes a fully qualified mechanic. Currently the wages aren’t high but by the end of her fourth year, she will be fully qualified and will earn more. Over the next few years, Libby intends to focus on her work and establish herself as a good mechanic. We believe that she will be GREAT! She has a flash tool-kit but continues to look with great interest at all the amazing tools available because she also knows that they can assist with the physical work and that this will also help her maintain good health.
Finally, her last piece of advice – do not waste money on a cheap bomb! Having the RACV check out a car – or taking someone who knows a lot about cars along when shopping, can mean that you don’t buy a ‘lemon’, which will cost a lot of money to keep running. RACV Roadside Assist, also offers security should something go wrong with your car. Now that cars are transitioning to hybrids and electric, there’s also the need to learn about the auto-electrical area. This is not one of Libby’s favourite areas – she prefers the older vehicles. Again, there were many nods of approval within the classroom. One day, Libby might just get that dream Chevvy, a super tool-kit in the boot and drive up the highway for some time in Queensland. Of course, until that day, she is at Timboon Motors and so make a booking, meet the wonderful team of over twenty people – and ask for Libby, so she can work on YOUR car! Never in her wildest dreams, did Libby expect to return to Timboon to speak to Year 10 students – after all - she HATED Public Speaking. Initially nervous, even Libby couldn’t believe that she spoke to students for over an hour. However, she was reminded that her speech about Super Rods did intrigue the other students when at school. Her story and her journey continue to intrigue us and we wish her well in her career. Thanks again Libby for your great talk – and taking the time to visit us. Thanks to Andrea Vallance for organising the event. -Fiona Mackenzie