I started out in the testing and development department. I was part of a team responsible for maintaining and fitting test parts for development on the fleet of 17 Mercedes Benz, Fuso and Bharat Benz trucks. I was in rotation for roadside assistance for the fleet. I was there initially as a freelance contractor for 2 years. In 2015 I was employed as staff at Mercedes Benz South Africa which recently became Daimler Trucks South Africa. In September 2021 I moved to the Vehicle Preparation Center(VPC) which is a post production department. In this position I am part of a team responsible for electrical diagnosis and rectification. We are responsible for any on-the-line breakdowns or 'non-starters'. In this position I work with all models of Mercedes Benz trucks and buses(Brazil), Daimler India which include TV-400, FJ 26 and 28, FA9 and FI12 and Daimler Japan which include FE7, FE8 canters, duonic, FM, FK and FG models.

I worked here for only 1 year. This company is a UD and Iveco dealer in the Border region. I worked on all models of UD, Iveco, Nissan NP300 bakkies, Isuzu trucks and bakkies, Hino, Toyota bakkies, Mercedes Benz, Volvo and the odd MAN, minor servicing and repairs on gas and diesel forklifts and BPW trailer axles. I also did minor car repairs on selected customer vehicles. This included a land rover, an old Mercedes E300 and Nissan NP200 bakkies. I was part of a team responsible for doing general maintenance and servicing on all trucks. I was also responsible for doing engine rebuilds, clutch repairs, minor transmission repairs and differential repairs. I was in rotation to do roadside assistance for all makes and models of commercial vehicles. I was responsible for looking after a fleet of about 20 UD Quan trucks and their trailers in a nearby town. I did servicing, minor and selected major repairs on the fleet.

I started my 2 year experience based apprenticeship through MERSETA straight after finishing high school. While doing my apprenticeship I worked mostly on Mercedes Benz, with the odd minor repair on Fuso and Freightliner. I worked with a journeyman for about 18 months and then was put on my own as I was competent and responsible enough to handle everything that came my way. I did services, general maintenance, engine and transmission overhauls and full brake services. In 2011 I passed my trade test for Diesel Mechanic. I worked as a junior mechanic for a short while before leaving to my next job. while training as an apprentice I assisted the electrical and mechanical roadside assistance teams to gain on the job knowledge and experience. Once I was qualified I went into rotation with the roadside assistance teams and had an apprentice working with me for a short time before leaving.