Meet Ashley
About me
Name: Ashley Belteky
Job: Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic; now a Women in Trade Apprentice Mentor
VET: VCE VET then Certificate III in Automotive Diesel
Location: Geelong
This pathway has helped me be the best version of me
My story
What do you do?
I’m a mechanic who specialises in vehicles with diesel engines. I have previously worked on earth-moving equipment at a coal mine in Queensland, worked on construction and road maintenance vehicles all around Victoria and am currently a Women in Trade Apprentice Mentor.
What was your VET journey?
I found the trade by accident when I was in Year 10. An employer came to my school to offer work experience and I thought maybe I could work on cars. I never thought I’d be able to work on trucks because I’m too small, but dad said to give it a go.
I did work experience, loved it, and signed up for a VET subject. By the time I was in Year 12, I’d started telling my parents about work without realising I’d planned my pathway. I walked out of my Year 12 exams straight into a really great apprenticeship.
What advice would you give to students who are considering a vocational pathway?
You’ve got nothing to lose by choosing a vocation and there are so many career growth opportunities.
What challenges did you face along the way?
The vehicle industry is male-populated and men naturally use their body weight to do the job. I’m quite small, so I can’t work the same way that they do. I’ve learnt how to be innovative to get the job done, and I can do the same work that men can do.
Work hours?
7:30am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Inside or outside?
Outside.
Solo or teamwork?
Solo.
Perks?
With each job I do, I get to be a better mechanic and it makes me happy.
People don't know?
There are so many opportunities to experiment with different pathways during your high school journey.
Average salary?
$1,500 per week for an experienced diesel mechanic.
Updated