Pinoy is top auto mechanic in Saudi

His uncle and aunt in Australia played key roles in his career shift to technical-vocational education. And this is the more important part of his success story.

Christopher Davocol enrolled in a three-year automotive technology course at the Davao National Agricultural School (DNAS) in Montevista, Campostela Valley in June 2003. He listened attentively to lectures and took down notes for his reference. He worked with gusto on his workshop projects and hands-on learning exercises. He also read books in auto servicing, watched videos in automotive technology, and downloaded related information from the internet.

Later on, he was employed as automotive instructor at Dela Salle John Bosco College in Bislig City. He loved his teaching job and felt duty bound to learn more and deepen his knowledge on the latest automotive technology. As he kept himself updated on new technologies and job competencies, he also diligently searched online for job opportunities abroad.

TRAINING AND WORK OFFER

Last year, he came across an offer for training and work at the Universal Motors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He was accepted and undertook a three-month training at the General Motors Advanced Technician Training Center-Middle East in Angat, Bulacan. Christopher finished the training with flying colors and made it to the top four out of the 43 trainees in his batch.

Upon arrival in KSA, he took on his job as general engine mechanic at the Universal Motors Agencies (UMA), the appointed distributor of GM cars in the eastern, western, and southern provinces of KSA. His job is to diagnose, overhaul V8 and V6 engine, troubleshoot automotive transmissions and its components, perform tune ups and brake jobs, preventive maintenance on 2006 and latest models, replace common parts, and make adjustments.

While on the job, Christopher and all other company mechanics are required to undergo continuing training through a web-based training program so that they will be updated on the latest developments in automotive technology.

“I plan to extend my contract with UMA for another two years to gain more work experience and save money for the family,” says Christopher when asked about his next steps. "Once I have enough savings, I will put up my own automotive shop in Cebu City and share my skills with other young people who are interested in learning automotive technology. I still dream of migrating to New South Wales Australia to join my uncle’s family.’’

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