Mohamed Elsayeh is proving that it does not matter what your age is, it’s never too late to go back and do further study. At 47 years old, working in the automotive industry has been Mohamed’s career for over 15 years. Having worked for the likes of BMW and General Motors in Egypt, he needed formal recognition of his skills and experience to be able to pursue a career in Australia.

When he moved to Australia, Mohamed wanted to continue his career and had aspirations to study, but was finding it challenging to gain recognition for his years of industry experience and skills.

Mohamed said “I was working as a Senior Service Advisor at a dealership in Egypt and I wanted to study in Australia but I did not want to start with apprenticeship. I already have experience and I have a wife and three children to support.

“I heard about the TAFE NSW Campbelltown Open Day and thought I should go along to find out what my options were.”

Mohamed met TAFE NSW Campbelltown Automotive Technology Head Teacher, Albert Grantham, who spent some time with him to determine a suitable course he could study to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

“Albert looked at my experience and suggested I enrol in the Certificate II Vehicle Servicing, next thing he was filling out the enrolment application and I couldn’t believe that I was enrolled the same day as I visited Open Day.”

It was not until the first day of class that Mohamed believed that he was about to commence a course to pursue his career in Australia.

“The first day of class was when it really sank in that I was on the way to getting my qualification.”

Mohamed completed the Certificate II in Vehicle Servicing and is currently completing the Certificate III in Automotive Technology. Once he graduates, he hopes to return to do further study with a Certificate III in Diesel Mechanic.

Despite being a mature aged student, Mohamed has fit right in with his fellow classmates.

“There’s a mix of ages in my class and I like that there is the variety. I have found my teachers to be very helpful and it gives me confidence to study.

By gaining the relevant qualifications, Mohamed is on the path to fulfilling his dream of becoming a service mechanic, and is earning a steady income so he can continue to support his family.

To find out more about studying automotive at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601

Media contact: Teresa Lane, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner 9796 5476, mobile 0412 773 887