I would have never have imagined

Sev Parseghian

When I set out to look for a mechanical apprenticeship in 2009, I would have never have imagined in my wildest dreams I would be doing what I am today, nearly 13 years later.  

All I was sure of at the start, was that I loved the automotive industry, wanted to work hands on and at the time, couldn’t see the vision on what job I would actually love doing if completing my engineering degree. 

Let’s just say, all things must happen for a reason. I deferred my Automotive Engineering course and went for what some considered a ‘crazy’ move to find an apprenticeship. What many people don’t know is that I was unsuccessful in obtaining an apprenticeship the first time round and without giving up, went on to find an apprenticeship posting from WPC Group and going for it, which now I can say, end up changing my life forever.

I was fortunate enough to start my Apprenticeship with my host employer Mercedes-Benz Melbourne. Starting a first year apprenticeship at the age of 20 wasn’t the easiest thing, although from my first day I knew I was absolutely loving what I was doing, even if it meant just cleaning the workshop (how couldn’t you with such amazing cars around you all day!). I have been in my element and every day since and using my passion to excel in ultimately what I love doing every day. When I reflect back, there was one important thing that has supported my career in addition to the hard work and determination, and that was the support provided from the peers, family and friends around me, especially Mark D’Aversa and the team and WPC Group.

As an apprentice, I was very fortunate to have received recognition that I didn’t even know existed at the time, for simply just doing what I enjoyed every day. I had many highlights with multiple apprentice of the year awards all starting with the 2010 WPC Group Apprentice of the Year and ending with 2012 Victorian Apprentice of the Year and Runner Up Australian Apprentice of the Year. This wouldn’t have happened without the team at Mercedes-Benz believing in me and giving me the opportunities to grow and importantly the backing from the team at WPC group, whom showed that hard work does not go unrecognised and provided the encouragement and excitement to keep pushing. The networking and relationships that were formed from having such support and exposure, ultimately gave the inner confidence that helped build the foundation of my career today.

Today, as Head of Technical Services and Customer support at Mercedes-Benz Australia, I am proud of the opportunities my apprenticeship gave me and couldn’t have done it without the support from people around me and end of the day making that one important decision 13 years ago, to just go and do something I love as a job.  

Sev Parseghian

Head of Technical Services & Customer Support
Mercedes-Benz Cars