Tiny Ash thinks big in the automotive and apprenticeship space
Career options and advice from parents
From school to the tools
I grew up working in a family business from the age of twelve. Dad was a chef by trade and launched his business, Pizza Party Hire, catering woodfired pizzas on mobile woodfired oven trailers he imported from New Zealand. From the age of fourteen, I ran a trailer with staff by myself and spent most of my weekends travelling the state of Victoria, catering pizzas.
This experience taught me a strong work ethic and general soft skills, but by high school, it didn’t give me any more career direction than the average sixteen-year-old. Not knowing what I wanted to do, I enrolled in subjects I enjoyed and hoped that a career path would eventually become clear. I studied Literature, English Language, Outdoor Education, Business Management, and Maths.
On reflection, my ongoing passion for writing would likely have led me to a career in journalism or editing. Yet, the universe had different plans for me.
In year 10, a local employer came to my school to offer work experience. They delivered a 30-minute presentation about their work in their workplace (primarily repairing diesel engines), but I didn’t pay attention to a single word they said. When I put my hand up to attend this work experience, I had no idea what I had signed up for.
The week before my placement, someone finally asked me, ‘What interests you about working on trucks?’
I realised my mistake, and I didn’t want to go anymore. My family had no mechanics, and I had no mechanical interest. I didn’t know the difference between a flathead screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver. But it was too late to find an alternative host employer.
My parents sat me down and convinced me not to waste a good opportunity. They explained that I had nothing to lose by trying, and even if I didn’t like the work, it would still teach me valuable information about myself and the working world.
Attending my week of work experience in overalls three times my size and with the name ‘Angelo’ sewn in, I learned the difference between a flathead screwdriver and a phillips head screwdriver. I also found a whole new world hidden inside diesel engines. That one week sparked my interest in the automotive industry, led me to take on an automotive subject for my final two years of high school, and changed the course of my life.
When I reached year twelve, it was decision time. I have continued pursuing my automotive interest alongside my academic studies and attended six more weeks of work experience to test whether this new interest was long-term. Because of that exploration, I could confidently decide to pursue an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic after high school. Still, I continued with my studies because I enjoyed my subjects. The result: I achieved the second highest ATAR for my year at secondary school in Melbourne in 2016 and was in the top 5% of the state in Victoria for my academic results, and I didn’t have a single university application.
Most people expect that I regretted my career choice at this point, but I didn’t doubt it for even a second.
I grew up working in a family business from the age of twelve. Dad was a chef by trade and launched his business, Pizza Party Hire, catering woodfired pizzas on mobile woodfired oven trailers he imported from New Zealand. From the age of fourteen, I ran a trailer with staff by myself and spent most of my weekends travelling the state of Victoria, catering pizzas.
This experience taught me a strong work ethic and general soft skills, but by high school, it didn’t give me any more career direction than the average sixteen-year-old. Not knowing what I wanted to do, I enrolled in subjects I enjoyed and hoped that a career path would eventually become clear. I studied Literature, English Language, Outdoor Education, Business Management, and Maths.
On reflection, my ongoing passion for writing would likely have led me to a career in journalism or editing. Yet, the universe had different plans for me.
In year 10, a local employer came to my school to offer work experience. They delivered a 30-minute presentation about their work in their workplace (primarily repairing diesel engines), but I didn’t pay attention to a single word they said. When I put my hand up to attend this work experience, I had no idea what I had signed up for.
The week before my placement, someone finally asked me, ‘What interests you about working on trucks?’
I realised my mistake, and I didn’t want to go anymore. My family had no mechanics, and I had no mechanical interest. I didn’t know the difference between a flathead screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver. But it was too late to find an alternative host employer.
My parents sat me down and convinced me not to waste a good opportunity. They explained that I had nothing to lose by trying, and even if I didn’t like the work, it would still teach me valuable information about myself and the working world.
Attending my week of work experience in overalls three times my size and with the name ‘Angelo’ sewn in, I learned the difference between a flathead screwdriver and a phillips head screwdriver. I also found a whole new world hidden inside diesel engines. That one week sparked my interest in the automotive industry, led me to take on an automotive subject for my final two years of high school, and changed the course of my life.
When I reached year twelve, it was decision time. I have continued pursuing my automotive interest alongside my academic studies and attended six more weeks of work experience to test whether this new interest was long-term. Because of that exploration, I could confidently decide to pursue an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic after high school. Still, I continued with my studies because I enjoyed my subjects. The result: I achieved the second highest ATAR for my year at secondary school in Melbourne in 2016 and was in the top 5% of the state in Victoria for my academic results, and I didn’t have a single university application.
Most people expect that I regretted my career choice at this point, but I didn’t doubt it for even a second.
Working as a diesel mechanic and FIFO
From tyres to tracks and back again
My career as a diesel mechanic began as an apprentice in 2017. I secured an apprenticeship with the workplace where I completed my original week of work experience. I spent four years rebuilding diesel engines in heavy vehicles before my desire to continue exploring the industry took me beyond my hatching ground.
Two things I had been convinced of as an apprentice were that:
1. I didn’t want to work at the mines
2. I didn’t want to run a business as a mechanic
Yet, once qualified, those were the very first steps I took.
It started with taking an opportunity as a Field Mechanic at a coal mine in the Bowen Basin, rural Queensland. Just like the nerves before my first week of work experience, then again before my first day as an apprentice, I was terrified and back in uncharted territory! I lived in Melbourne while working in rural Queensland, working a 7/7 roster (7 x 12.5-hour days at work + 7 days off work) alternating day and night shifts. In the field team, I was responsible for repairing equipment ranging from bulldozers and drills to shovels and excavators. We would work in the workshop or out in the open pit of the coal mine, depending on the machine and the duration of repairs, to minimise machine downtime.
There are pros and cons to this type of lifestyle. One of the pros included the massive paycheck I was receiving as a freshly qualified 21-year-old mechanic. One of the cons was being away from my usual support network while onsite. For me, the extreme on-off lifestyle of FIFO didn’t suit how I liked to work, and I quickly found myself struggling with my mental health and my engagement at work.
At the same time, during my weeks at home in Melbourne, I started a business with one of my trade school mates. Even though I was only a part-time business owner, it was truly a trial by fire. Having completed my apprenticeship in the niche field of engine repairs and then transitioning to earthmoving at the mines, I felt like I had been sheltered from various mechanical experiences. Because of this, I would be doing jobs for the first time ever as a business owner for paying customers, and the thought constantly terrified me.
These pathways to exploring the industry taught me a lot about myself and my industry. I made a lot of mistakes while juggling FIFO and a business. Yet, even though it turned out I had been correct not to work at the mines or run a business as a mechanic, both of those chapters led me to a role as a Field Service Mechanic for a construction business in Melbourne, where I found the perfect balance of work task diversity, support, and independence.
My career as a diesel mechanic began as an apprentice in 2017. I secured an apprenticeship with the workplace where I completed my original week of work experience. I spent four years rebuilding diesel engines in heavy vehicles before my desire to continue exploring the industry took me beyond my hatching ground.
Two things I had been convinced of as an apprentice were that:
1. I didn’t want to work at the mines
2. I didn’t want to run a business as a mechanic
Yet, once qualified, those were the very first steps I took.
It started with taking an opportunity as a Field Mechanic at a coal mine in the Bowen Basin, rural Queensland. Just like the nerves before my first week of work experience, then again before my first day as an apprentice, I was terrified and back in uncharted territory! I lived in Melbourne while working in rural Queensland, working a 7/7 roster (7 x 12.5-hour days at work + 7 days off work) alternating day and night shifts. In the field team, I was responsible for repairing equipment ranging from bulldozers and drills to shovels and excavators. We would work in the workshop or out in the open pit of the coal mine, depending on the machine and the duration of repairs, to minimise machine downtime.
There are pros and cons to this type of lifestyle. One of the pros included the massive paycheck I was receiving as a freshly qualified 21-year-old mechanic. One of the cons was being away from my usual support network while onsite. For me, the extreme on-off lifestyle of FIFO didn’t suit how I liked to work, and I quickly found myself struggling with my mental health and my engagement at work.
At the same time, during my weeks at home in Melbourne, I started a business with one of my trade school mates. Even though I was only a part-time business owner, it was truly a trial by fire. Having completed my apprenticeship in the niche field of engine repairs and then transitioning to earthmoving at the mines, I felt like I had been sheltered from various mechanical experiences. Because of this, I would be doing jobs for the first time ever as a business owner for paying customers, and the thought constantly terrified me.
These pathways to exploring the industry taught me a lot about myself and my industry. I made a lot of mistakes while juggling FIFO and a business. Yet, even though it turned out I had been correct not to work at the mines or run a business as a mechanic, both of those chapters led me to a role as a Field Service Mechanic for a construction business in Melbourne, where I found the perfect balance of work task diversity, support, and independence.
Behind the curtains of FIFO
Working as a FIFO mechanic from Melbourne to Queensland, I was responsible for getting myself to and from the Brisbane airport each week. From there, work covered the flights and buses for us to travel from Brisbane to camp near the mine site and commute to and from the site each day. The day shift crew started at 5:30 a.m. and finished at 6 p.m. The alternating night shift crew started at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m.
Like any workplace or industry, there was a diverse range of people. Most were supportive and encouraging, even when an interstate heavy vehicle diesel mechanic was recruited to fill vacancies in the field team, where tyres were traded for tracks.
While the central Queensland heat and humidity were as expected, the cold nights in winter were not. Surprisingly, the pace of a Queensland workshop was distinctly slower than the pace of a Melbourne workshop. Whether it was the humidity, the long hours, or something else entirely, I couldn’t say. (Note: I had just transitioned from a retail, OEM environment in Melbourne to a fleet-type environment in Queensland. If there was ever going to be a dramatic change of pace, it was here!)
The camp facilities were rudimentary but secure, and the food was enjoyable most days. Overall, despite being a poor fit for the mining lifestyle, I enjoyed my 18 months working as a FIFO mechanic (and the paycheck that came with it).
Working as a FIFO mechanic from Melbourne to Queensland, I was responsible for getting myself to and from the Brisbane airport each week. From there, work covered the flights and buses for us to travel from Brisbane to camp near the mine site and commute to and from the site each day. The day shift crew started at 5:30 a.m. and finished at 6 p.m. The alternating night shift crew started at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m.
Like any workplace or industry, there was a diverse range of people. Most were supportive and encouraging, even when an interstate heavy vehicle diesel mechanic was recruited to fill vacancies in the field team, where tyres were traded for tracks.
While the central Queensland heat and humidity were as expected, the cold nights in winter were not. Surprisingly, the pace of a Queensland workshop was distinctly slower than the pace of a Melbourne workshop. Whether it was the humidity, the long hours, or something else entirely, I couldn’t say. (Note: I had just transitioned from a retail, OEM environment in Melbourne to a fleet-type environment in Queensland. If there was ever going to be a dramatic change of pace, it was here!)
The camp facilities were rudimentary but secure, and the food was enjoyable most days. Overall, despite being a poor fit for the mining lifestyle, I enjoyed my 18 months working as a FIFO mechanic (and the paycheck that came with it).
What are you currently doing these days since leaving the automotive industry?
Off the tools and beyond
After a few years working in the construction sector, repairing anything from trucks to diggers and small site generators, I was head-hunted to develop a national apprentice program for a large employer in the bus sector.
This opportunity came as a by-product of the personal brand I had built as an advocate for women in industry and VET pathways. I have been a VET Champion for the Department of Education for over four years, often speaking in schools or career forums about the stigma around women in trade and the perceived lower status of tradespeople. Over this time, I maintained a website and online presence to share my passion for writing and my career journey with others.
Taking on the opportunity to develop a national apprentice program for forty apprentices put me, once again, on the precipice of a lot of uncharted territory and feelings of impostor syndrome. The ‘project management’ type role was a slow burn, and didn’t have the daily sense of achievement that came with being a mechanic. This added to the challenge of transitioning off the tools into a sedentary role. I learned to adjust my routines and habits to spend my extra energy and find small wins and milestones to celebrate on the journey.
After seeing the apprentice program come to fruition, I transitioned into my current role as an Apprentice Mentor. Now, I am fortunately able to connect with apprentices every day. I hear their stories of success and hurdles, and I have a positive impact by encouraging or supporting them through their challenges.
After a few years working in the construction sector, repairing anything from trucks to diggers and small site generators, I was head-hunted to develop a national apprentice program for a large employer in the bus sector.
This opportunity came as a by-product of the personal brand I had built as an advocate for women in industry and VET pathways. I have been a VET Champion for the Department of Education for over four years, often speaking in schools or career forums about the stigma around women in trade and the perceived lower status of tradespeople. Over this time, I maintained a website and online presence to share my passion for writing and my career journey with others.
Taking on the opportunity to develop a national apprentice program for forty apprentices put me, once again, on the precipice of a lot of uncharted territory and feelings of impostor syndrome. The ‘project management’ type role was a slow burn, and didn’t have the daily sense of achievement that came with being a mechanic. This added to the challenge of transitioning off the tools into a sedentary role. I learned to adjust my routines and habits to spend my extra energy and find small wins and milestones to celebrate on the journey.
After seeing the apprentice program come to fruition, I transitioned into my current role as an Apprentice Mentor. Now, I am fortunately able to connect with apprentices every day. I hear their stories of success and hurdles, and I have a positive impact by encouraging or supporting them through their challenges.
Everything still to come
I’m passionate about everyday leadership and empowering individuals to take ownership of their lives, actions, and impact to have a more fulfilling life and a more positive effect on those around them. I’ve met so many incredible people in the trades sector, but also heard and witnessed a lot of poor practice or poor behaviour, so I’m currently in the process of developing and launching a solution for industry so we can create meaningful cultural change for the betterment of all people and trades.
While I have already achieved a lot in my career, I know I am only just getting started.
I’m passionate about everyday leadership and empowering individuals to take ownership of their lives, actions, and impact to have a more fulfilling life and a more positive effect on those around them. I’ve met so many incredible people in the trades sector, but also heard and witnessed a lot of poor practice or poor behaviour, so I’m currently in the process of developing and launching a solution for industry so we can create meaningful cultural change for the betterment of all people and trades.
While I have already achieved a lot in my career, I know I am only just getting started.
Photos
1. Speaking at a School to Work Summit hosted by the education sector about my pathway as a high-performing student entering the VET sector (2021).
2. Completing servicing work on an Atlas Copco drill in the workshop of the coal mine. The drills dig holes (calculated by engineers) to drop explosives into the ground and help move or loosen the ground before machines begin digging.
3. After the mines, I took on a role as a field service mechanic for a construction company. I was often onsite servicing and repairing machines of a wide variety all around Victoria. Picture includes a Kubota U35-4 Mini Excavator (2023).
4. Speaking at the Victorian Automotive Forum (VAF) in Bendigo about my experiences as a woman in trade and the unique challenges we face to raise the visibility of the small, yet accumulative, hurdles we can face (2024).
5. On stage with a long-time mentor and friend, Raman, after presenting a hybrid engine demonstration for female school students at The Trade (& Tech) Fit expo. The Toyota Prius hybrid engine was borrowed from a local trade school and featured cut-away components that allowed people to see inside the crankcase and generator casing (2024).
6. Onsite in Queenscliff as a first-year apprentice with a fitter & turner tradesperson measuring up a solution to raise the engine within the pilot boat without needing to remove the engine to complete a sump gasket oil leak repair (2017).
7. Inside a 6060 CAT digger bucket at a small open-pit coal mine in the Bowen Basin region, QLD I was in the field team, so for many of the operation-critical machines like the diggers and shovel onsite, we completed servicing and repair work in the pit to reduce downtime for the machines to track to the workshop (2021).
8. My first car was a 2013 Red Holden Commodore V6 Ute, 60th Anniversary Model.
Summary and related links and websites
Favourite car - Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series.
First car - 2013 Red Holden Commodore V6 Ute and owned it for five years.
Interests and hobbies - Writing, Netball, Sci-fi fantasy, indoor plants and self-improvement.
Diesel tip from Ash - Diesels are not as forgiving for air in fuel, so don’t risk running your diesel dry.
Safety tip from Ash - Look after your mental health in the auto industry. Distractions and head noise can cause harm.
Qualified heavy vehicle diesel mechanic - Even though I did not spend my apprenticeship working on cars, I have the same skills and experience. This allows me to apply my knowledge to smaller vehicles. As an apprentice, I had to replace the clutch in my Holden VE ute after it started slipping and one of the first repairs I did as a business owner was replacing a head gasket on a 1990s Land Cruiser Ute. Note: Content & photos provided by Ashley in May 2025.
www.ashleybelteky.com
www.ashleybelteky.com/blog
www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-belteky
www.vic.gov.au/ashley-belteky-mechanic
https://www.bhg.com.au/homes/diy/ashley-beeby
www.vic.gov.au/department-accredited-vet-courses
www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-toyota-landcruiser-79-series
www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-toyota-landcruiser-70-series
2. Completing servicing work on an Atlas Copco drill in the workshop of the coal mine. The drills dig holes (calculated by engineers) to drop explosives into the ground and help move or loosen the ground before machines begin digging.
3. After the mines, I took on a role as a field service mechanic for a construction company. I was often onsite servicing and repairing machines of a wide variety all around Victoria. Picture includes a Kubota U35-4 Mini Excavator (2023).
4. Speaking at the Victorian Automotive Forum (VAF) in Bendigo about my experiences as a woman in trade and the unique challenges we face to raise the visibility of the small, yet accumulative, hurdles we can face (2024).
5. On stage with a long-time mentor and friend, Raman, after presenting a hybrid engine demonstration for female school students at The Trade (& Tech) Fit expo. The Toyota Prius hybrid engine was borrowed from a local trade school and featured cut-away components that allowed people to see inside the crankcase and generator casing (2024).
6. Onsite in Queenscliff as a first-year apprentice with a fitter & turner tradesperson measuring up a solution to raise the engine within the pilot boat without needing to remove the engine to complete a sump gasket oil leak repair (2017).
7. Inside a 6060 CAT digger bucket at a small open-pit coal mine in the Bowen Basin region, QLD I was in the field team, so for many of the operation-critical machines like the diggers and shovel onsite, we completed servicing and repair work in the pit to reduce downtime for the machines to track to the workshop (2021).
8. My first car was a 2013 Red Holden Commodore V6 Ute, 60th Anniversary Model.
Summary and related links and websites
Favourite car - Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series.
First car - 2013 Red Holden Commodore V6 Ute and owned it for five years.
Interests and hobbies - Writing, Netball, Sci-fi fantasy, indoor plants and self-improvement.
Diesel tip from Ash - Diesels are not as forgiving for air in fuel, so don’t risk running your diesel dry.
Safety tip from Ash - Look after your mental health in the auto industry. Distractions and head noise can cause harm.
Qualified heavy vehicle diesel mechanic - Even though I did not spend my apprenticeship working on cars, I have the same skills and experience. This allows me to apply my knowledge to smaller vehicles. As an apprentice, I had to replace the clutch in my Holden VE ute after it started slipping and one of the first repairs I did as a business owner was replacing a head gasket on a 1990s Land Cruiser Ute. Note: Content & photos provided by Ashley in May 2025.
www.ashleybelteky.com
www.ashleybelteky.com/blog
www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-belteky
www.vic.gov.au/ashley-belteky-mechanic
https://www.bhg.com.au/homes/diy/ashley-beeby
www.vic.gov.au/department-accredited-vet-courses
www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-toyota-landcruiser-79-series
www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-toyota-landcruiser-70-series