Award-winning apprentice Joachim Lopez-Valoa followed his interests to a career at the perfect workplace
Joachim has always enjoyed learning the science behind how things work. Now, as an apprentice marine technician, his job involves fixing and maintaining marine equipment.
One of the best parts? Getting to test his work!
“The coolest thing about my job would be whenever we water test a boat that has been repaired or fitted with a new engine. Nothing beats going out on the water in a boat that you’ve just put together,” Joachim says.
Always a lover of physics and maths, Joachim enjoys solving problems and testing for faults in his work so he can learn and improve.
“My favourite subject at school was physics, but also the maths involved was fun since it felt satisfying when you would get it right,” he says.
So, what does a typical day for Joachim look like? There isn’t one! From disassembling engines and gearboxes and putting them back together, to boat rigging and water testing, Joachim’s work is diverse and never boring. He also occasionally adds some dance moves to his day when a good song comes on the radio.
Joachim is on his way to completing a Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology and says it’s exciting to know that with this qualification, he’ll be able to get a job in most countries around the world.
Having always worked towards his long-term vision, Joachim says he wouldn’t change a thing about his career path.
“I would give myself the career advice to do the same thing and follow the exact same path, which was to pursue what I actually wanted – done through trial and error until I found the perfect workplace that suited me.”
Joachim’s pathway
- Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology
- 2023 Victorian school-based Apprentice of the Year
- 2023 Australian Training Awards School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Finalist
- 2023 Kangan Institute School-based Apprentice of the Year
- Apprentice Marine Technician, Mercury Marine
Interested in marine engineering?
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This article was produced in partnership with the National Careers Institute and first appeared in Careers with STEM: Engineering 2024.
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