In a follow-up interview, IAME President Jeff Richards sat down with Thomas Miller, the recipient of the IAME Award at the Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony, held at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show. In this latest discussion, Thomas reflects on his journey and how be entered the industry.
Antonella Abbate • 3 November 2024
Navigating Career Change: Tom Miller’s Journey from Culinary Arts to Marine Mechanics and Business Ownership
Jeff Richards: We're speaking with Tom Miller from Johnson Brothers Enterprise Marine. Tom, could you share your story with us? We'd love to hear about your journey, how you got started in the automotive and marine industries and the key moments that shaped your career?
Tom Miller: When Covid started, I was about 26 years of age, and decided I might have a bit of a career change. I ended up working a couple of days a week at Johnson Brothers Enterprise Marine, it was just Enterprise Marine back then. After deciding to change career, I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed what I was doing. Not long after I started to work there, I decided to take on an apprenticeship. Chris, the previous owner of Enterprise Marine ended up stepping away from the business and Johnson Brothers bought it, hence the name Johnson Brothers Enterprise Marine. I then slowly continued my apprenticeship with the new owners, and worked my way through the apprenticeship. I kept pushing myself every day, trying to better myself, grow, and learn new areas, not just focusing on what's going on in front of me, but what's going on around me. Five years later, I bought into the business. I am now running the business alongside Ben, and it's all running nice and smooth.
Jeff Richards: How did you feel receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award at the TAFE Awards Night?
Tom Miller: I was very grateful. It proves when you put in the hard work you get rewarded and acknowledged for it.
Jeff Richards: Before you got involved in the Marine industry, what sort of work were you involved in?
Tom Miller: My first job was actually in Enterprise Marines, sweeping the floors when I was about 10 years old. I ended up doing a full 360 to where I started, but it was always between the food industry and the boating industry. I first chose the food industry mainly because my family had been in the restaurant business their whole life, so I ended up working in fine dining, and did that for about eight years, running kitchens as a head chef, but decided, just for personal reasons and as wanted to grow my family I required more to as the pay side of being a chef was definitely not the best. I decided to move forward and see what else there was out there. I could always fall back on my old trade, and that's what kind of moved me in a direction of a career change. When Covid hit, I realized that I have a little bit of an opportunity to broaden my horizons so I tried Marine Mechanics, Joinery along with being a Chef. I ended up choosing Marine Mechanics, which was the best choice I could of made.
Jeff Richards: Due to your age at the time of starting Marine Mechanics were you mature-aged apprentice?
Tom Miller: Yes. I was mature-aged. I was scared about the classic stereotypes of the apprenticeship being that it's terrible money at the age, you get picked on and I just didn’t really know what I was in for. But it was none of those things, ever. It was good money and enough to live comfortably. Everyone was really nice and patient with me. I think just being a mature age apprentice, people give you that little bit more time and they realize you've got past your crazy stages in life.
Jeff Richards: Is there anything else you'd like to add or advice to anyone thinking of changing careers?
Tom Miller: Yes. You're never too old to jump into a trade. Meaning you don't have to be under 20 years of age or younger to do it anymore. It's never too late. You can always give it a go. It's worth trying, because you'd rather be happy at your work than, sitting there hating your job and just doing it for the money.
Jeff Richards: Thank you for your insight, Tom, what you have achieved in your current working life is commendable. I am sure your story and what you have achieve will inspire others to look at their situation in a more positive way and that when you set your mind to it, anything can be achieved. It is a wonderful mentoring story.
IAME President Jeff Richards presented Thomas the IAME Award at the Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony held at the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show.
Along with the Award he received Complimentary IAME Membership, a Digital Vernier and Socket Set to specially remove broken studs.
A special thanks to TAFE NSW and the Boating Industry Association for providing IAME the opportunity to be involved and support the industry.
Tickets are now on sale for Wire & Gas 2026, with VASA and The Automotive Technician (TaT) confirming a full three-day programme at The Westin Brisbane from 31 July to 2 August. The event, co-hosted for the first time by both organisations under the theme ‘Better Together’, brings together automotive air-conditioning technicians, auto electricians and thermal management specialists from across Australia and New Zealand for training, networking and industry updates. VASA and TaT members can register for $995 + GST, with non-member tickets priced at $1,195 + GST. A Social Pass covering the Friday cocktail party and trade show plus the Saturday Gala Awards Dinner is available for $349 + GST. Non-members have the option to purchase discounted VASA or TaT membership at registration to unlock member pricing and ongoing benefits. VASA President Brett Meads said the TaT partnership had raised the bar for what Wire & Gas could deliver. “TaT and VASA have a long history of collaboration and share a common goal: supporting automotive technicians and workshop owners to build their skills and grow their businesses,” Mr Meads said. “By combining our networks and expertise, we can deliver a bigger, better Wire & Gas with high-quality training, new topics and more opportunities for technicians to connect with their peers and industry partners. “This is what ‘Better Together’ is all about.” Programme at a glance Friday 31 July: Opening Night The event opens with a cocktail party and trade show, followed by a panel discussion marking the launch of the updated Australian Automotive Air Conditioning Code of Practice. Panellists include Kylie Farrelley (Refrigerant Reclaim Australia), Dr Greg Picker (Refrigerants Australia / Australian Refrigeration Council), Lesley Yates (AAAA) and Jeff Smit (TaT). Saturday 1 August: Technical Training The full-day technical programme features four in-depth 1.5-hour sessions, with a trade show running during morning tea and lunch: ● Clint Flower: Diagnosing modern automotive HVAC systems ● Clinton Brett: AdBlue (SCR) emissions-control technology for diesel vehicles ● Brendan Sorensen: 48V to BEV: Electrified Diagnostic Triage Framework ● Scott Thomas: Vehicle Security Systems: A Workshop Guide The Saturday evening Gala Awards Dinner will feature live acoustic music, the REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award, the VASA Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award, the VASA Pioneer Award and a race sim champion and trade show prize draw. More awards are to be announced. Sunday 2 August: Seminars The closing half-day covers business and industry topics, with sessions from Lesley Yates on best practices and industry cohesion, Jeff Smit on the EV and hybrid market from an aftermarket perspective, a refrigerant and regulation panel with Kylie Farrelley and Dr Greg Picker, and Geoff Mutton on enhancing workshop productivity. TaT co-founder Jeff Smit said the programme reflected the combined training strengths of both organisations. “Wire & Gas has established itself as the must-attend event for the auto electrical and air-conditioning trades, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with VASA to take it to the next level,” Mr Smit said. “TaT will be bringing our training expertise, presenter network and broad membership base to the table, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on sessions that attendees can take straight back to the workshop. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both VASA and TaT members, and the broader industry, to Brisbane in July.” Accommodation VASA has negotiated special room rates for Wire & Gas attendees at The Westin Brisbane at $325 per night (room only, super king or twin) and the adjoining Four Points by Sheraton at $225 per night (room only, king or twin). Optional extras include breakfast ($30 per person at The Westin; $25 at Four Points), a rollaway bed for $80 per night, and valet parking at $60 per vehicle per day. All accommodation prices include GST. Discounted rates are valid for three days before and after the event, subject to availability. Cool Mavericks book signing Authors Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton will be signing copies of Cool Mavericks, which traces the evolution of automotive air-conditioning and the pioneers who shaped it. Books will also be available for purchase or collection at the event. Sponsors and exhibitors With the combined reach of the VASA and TaT networks, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are expected to fill quickly. Organisations wanting to connect with the calibre of automotive repair professionals Wire & Gas is known for attracting should contact Jill Johnson at jj@jkjmedia.com.au or on 0409 217 624. Tickets and accommodation can be booked at WireAndGas.com
The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) wishes to advise members and industry partners that Mr Peter Blanshard is no longer employed by the IAME , effective 7 July 2026 . The Board wishes to extend its best wishes to him for the future. The Board has enacted transition arrangements to ensure continuity across all operational areas, including member services, supplier and industry partnerships, RTO operations, and government engagement. Redirecting Communications To ensure enquiries are directed appropriately and responded to promptly, members and stakeholders are asked to redirect any communication previously addressed to the CEO to the following contact: IAME Auburn Office (NSW) unit 5, 340 Chisholm Road Auburn NSW 2144 Phone: (02) 9782 1100 Email: inbox@iame.com.au The IAME Board appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our members during this period of transition. We remain committed to delivering strong industry leadership and high‑quality support across the automotive and training sectors. Kind regards, The IAME Board
By Dean Rothapfel - Oceania Country Manager Motul Asia Pacific
