“I plan to keep learning and may consider getting into an engine specialisation one day.”
Mainstream schooling was never the right fit for Daniel Gavaghan who knew he would be happier within a more hands-on environment.
“I left school in Year 10 because I wasn’t too interested in its academic focus. I wanted to do something more hands-on. Since I was always interested in trucks and motors, I thought I’d go down the path of being a mechanic,” he said.
“I applied for jobs and was hired as a diesel mechanic apprentice at Kenworth DAF when I was 16. Despite joining the workforce at a young age, I did well pretty quickly.”
Daniel’s training at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence also added to his positive experience as an apprentice.
“The facilities, such as the engines rooms, are really good and modern. The teachers also have absolute knowledge of the field,” he said.
Daniel competed in the 2018 WorldSkills National Championships as a Team Victoria representative within the Heavy Vehicles category. The 19-year-old earned his place after placing in top three amidst other Victorian heavy vehicle apprentices at the regional competitions.
“I’m proud of my achievements so far. I’ve been working pretty hard and have stayed focused on all the things I had to do to achieve my goals,” he said.
Working as a diesel mechanic, Daniel plans to continue on the path of learning over the next few years.
“I plan to keep learning and may consider getting into an engine specialisation one day,” he shared.
