Fire and cars prove to be a winning career combination

A young Victorian man has been able to build a successful career by mixing two usually opposing passions – fire and cars.

Twenty-four year old Michael Hogan, from Victoria, has been a volunteer fire fighter from the age of 16, sparking his curiosity in the industry. At the same time, his passion for anything on four wheels saw him tinkering with cars and other automotive work.

When it came to a career, however, Michael was always unsure about what he wanted to do.

“Right throughout high school I was always unsure about where I wanted my life to go. I tried my hand at a number of different roles, but they were never the right fit,” said Michael.

“I finally decided to take stock of where I was at and make the most of my situation. I really wanted to pursue my interests and turn them into a career.”

Michael had completed a Certificate IV in Fire Technology after finishing VCE. With that already under his belt, he decided to turn his passion for cars into a recognisable qualification. He enrolled at Holmesglen Institute of TAFE to complete a Motor Vehicle Accessories course and Certificate I and II in Automotive Electrical Technology.

“The main reason I wanted to complete the courses in Automotive Electrical Technology was to establish an income doing something I really enjoy.”

His training gave him the skills he needed to work in both the fire and the automotive industries, and he has been able to finally work in something he is passionate about.

“I now run my own business called Hound Audio Visual, while working at Chubb Australia conducting fire warden and fire safety training. I also work as a fire indicator panel operator on a casual basis for the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.

“I have successfully found a way to combine my interests in fire technology and the automotive industry.”

Michael’s career journey was not without its challenges.

“The biggest barrier I had to overcome was people’s perception of TAFE as a ‘back-up’ option if you don’t get accepted to university.”

“My family were very supportive of me but it was hard because my parents and siblings all had university degrees. University study was just not for me,” Michael said.

Michael believes the benefit of vocational training is that it provides students with practical and technical, industry-based skills.

“A TAFE course can provide so many opportunities and advantages for people looking to enter the workforce or update their skills,” Michael said.

Michael is now looking to further develop and grow his business.

His best advice to young people who are confused about what to do next: "Identify your interests and passions, then go for it!”

The Australian Government has launched a national information campaign aimed at helping Australians access skills and training opportunities from the $3 billion Building Australia’s Future Workforce package announced in the 2011-12 Budget. With a strong focus on skills development and employment participation, the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package aims to motivate more Australians to think about skills training and to value a qualification as an investment in their future.

The campaign is part of the Australian Government's commitment to building an educated and sustainable workforce while at the same time helping to build an economy that continues to deliver new jobs and new business opportunities.

For more information on Building Australia’s Future Workforce information campaign visit www.skills.gov.au or free call 133 196.

For media enquiries: media@deewr.gov.au (02) 6240 7300