The journey from Strathbogie Shire to the mines of Western Australia is a long one for former local Geoff Millard, who started out locally as a motor mechanic. He commenced his apprenticeship at Arnott Motors in Benalla when aged 17-and-a-half and has worked as a motor mechanic for over 30 years. Now living in Perth, Geoff works as a fly-in fly-out motor mechanic at a mine near Karratha in Western Australia. What do you like about your job? “The money!” Geoff said. “Working here is giving me the chance to see a different part of the economy. “The mine operates 24-seven, mining iron ore, which is one of Australia’s main exports.” The scale of the mine’s operation is measured by it having its own desalination plant and a 1.8km conveyor belt to carry the ore directly to ships in port before it gets exported to China. Geoff cannot recommend an apprenticeship highly enough for those seeking a trade path, whether it be all the way to outback WA or closer to home in another field. “I would absolutely recommend doing an apprenticeship,” he said. “If you have a trade, you are basically guaranteed a job for life; if you don’t have a trade, then you are up against every Tom, Dick, and Harry when going for a job. “Take a long-term view: the pay is low for the first three years of your apprenticeship but once you are qualified there are many opportunities available.” Geoff’s twin brother Alan also did his motor mechanic apprenticeship and now runs his own motor mechanic business in Mansfield.
