Michael Kirkwood
Featherston
Summary
Dynamic Automotive Technician with a strong work ethic and proven problem-solving skills, currently at Braiden International Ltd. Enhanced service delivery through effective team collaboration and implemented quality control measures, achieving increased customer satisfaction. Proficient in engine repair and committed to maintaining high safety standards while fostering positive customer relations.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Automotive Technician
Braiden International Ltd
05.2020 - Current
- Collaborated with team members to streamline repair processes and enhance service delivery.
- Mentored junior technicians on best practices for troubleshooting and repairs.
- Implemented quality control measures to improve service accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Developed training materials for staff on new technologies and repair techniques.
- Modified and adapted vehicles for customer including: Fitting new seats and seatbelts, altering OEM seats and seatbelts, installing hoists for wheelchairs, installing wheelchair tracks, install Dahl and Ezlock wheelchair locking systems, floor and pillar cutout and replacement, wiring installation for specialist equipment, fitted electrical steps for entry and exit of vehicles, fitted safety equipment, refitted OEM parts and panels, primed and painted vehicle exteriors.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, demonstrating pride in personal workspace while contributing to overall shop cleanliness.
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Upheld high safety standards in the workplace by following proper protocols when handling hazardous materials and utilizing protective gear as needed.
- Increased workshop efficiency by effectively organizing tools, equipment, and workspace for easy access during repairs.
- Performed safety inspections.
- Kept equipment in good working order by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and maintaining supplies.
- Trained and coached junior employees on procedures for completing various types of repairs and maintenance on cars and light trucks.
- Delivered superior results under tight deadlines, managing multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or attention to detail.
- Maintained accurate records of time and materials required to perform repairs and service.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Achieved consistency across all repairs by strictly following manufacturer guidelines and using OEM parts whenever possible.
- Contributed to business growth through exceptional customer service, leading to increased repeat clientele and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Expanded service offerings with continuous professional development efforts, staying informed on new technologies within the automotive industry.
- Safeguarded customer trust by ensuring adherence to ethical repair practices and maintaining a transparent communication approach throughout the service process.
- Boosted team morale and productivity by actively participating in staff training, sharing knowledge and skills with coworkers.
- Streamlined work processes through effective collaboration with other technicians, resulting in faster turnaround times for customer vehicles.
- Championed environmental sustainability by properly disposing of hazardous waste materials and recycling used parts whenever possible.
- Optimized inventory management systems by tracking stock levels closely and placing orders as necessary to prevent shortages or excess supplies.
- Conducted safety inspections to comply with legal and company standards.
- Enhanced workshop safety by adhering to and promoting best practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of automotive industry standards and practices.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing precise and timely repair updates.
- Increased workshop efficiency with organization of tools and equipment.
- Delivered detailed explanations of repair processes, increasing customer trust and satisfaction.
- Customized vehicles to owner specifications, enhancing driving experience.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
- Coordinated with parts department to determine availability of necessary components.
- Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
Automotive Technician
VBR Mechanical
2020 - Current
- Diagnosed and repaired automotive systems including engines, transmissions, and electrical components.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Improved vehicle performance by conducting thorough diagnostic tests and repairing or replacing faulty components.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Performed safety inspections.
- Analyzed and located malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems.
- Completed customer orders and warranty services according to manufacturer specifications.
- Reduced vehicle downtime with meticulous preventative maintenance services, extending the life of customers'' vehicles.
- Mitigated potential warranty claims through close inspections of newly serviced vehicles prior to their return to customers.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks for improved vehicle safety and longevity.
- Implemented eco-friendly waste disposal practices, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Fostered positive relationships with parts suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement.
- Optimized fuel efficiency for customers with regular engine tune-ups and maintenance.
- Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
- Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
- Analyzed vehicle data using advanced diagnostic equipment.
- Checked brake systems and determined need of pad replacement, disc turning or other maintenance requirements.
- Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
- Tore down, repaired and rebuilt faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems and linkages.
- Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
- Conducted routine maintenance services to ensure vehicle safety and performance standards.
- Utilized diagnostic tools and software to identify issues efficiently and accurately.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline repair processes and enhance service delivery.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, demonstrating pride in personal workspace while contributing to overall shop cleanliness.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Upheld high safety standards in the workplace by following proper protocols when handling hazardous materials and utilizing protective gear as needed.
- Kept equipment in good working order by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and maintaining supplies.
- Tested newly installed equipment to determine proper functionality and compliance with regulations.
- Achieved consistency across all repairs by strictly following manufacturer guidelines and using OEM parts whenever possible.
- Contributed to business growth through exceptional customer service, leading to increased repeat clientele and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Expanded service offerings with continuous professional development efforts, staying informed on new technologies within the automotive industry.
- Safeguarded customer trust by ensuring adherence to ethical repair practices and maintaining a transparent communication approach throughout the service process.
- Championed environmental sustainability by properly disposing of hazardous waste materials and recycling used parts whenever possible.
- Streamlined work processes through effective collaboration with other technicians, resulting in faster turnaround times for customer vehicles.
- Conducted safety inspections to comply with legal and company standards.
- Enhanced workshop safety by adhering to and promoting best practices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of automotive industry standards and practices.
- Customized vehicles to owner specifications, enhancing driving experience.
- Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Problem-solving
- Safety awareness
- Changing oil
- Hand and power tools
- Time management
- Changing tires
- Attention to detail
- Engine repair
- Brake systems understanding
- Preventive Maintenance
- Replacing parts
- Troubleshooting skills
- Parts replacement
- Fluid exchanges
- Customer service
- Brake systems
- Inspecting vehicles
- Steering systems
- Tire services
- Suspension systems
- Alignments experience
- Transmissions
- Fuel systems
- Exhaust systems
- Team collaboration
- Preventive maintenance services
- Coolant system control
- Installing equipment
- Electrical failure repairs
- Heavy lifting
- Battery services
- Replacing filters
- Engine rebuilds
- Drivetrain repair
- Automotive electronics
- Drivetrain and axle installation
- Customer relations
- Electrical experience
- Flexible schedule
- Physical stamina
- Estimating work
- Electrical systems
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Operating air compressors
- Quality assurance inspections
- Soldering skills
- Welding and fabrication
- Maintaining records
- Maintenance scheduling
- Hazardous waste management
- Manual transmissions
- Roadside repair
- Purchasing parts and inventory
- Performance tuning
- Issue resolution
- Chemical disposal
- Relaying complex information
- Road-worthiness evaluations
- Bay management
- Detailing services
- Relationship building
- Supply ordering
- Automotive engineering
- Ordering supplies
- Upholstery repair
- Rust removal
- Ticket writing
- Paintless dent repair
- Oil change services
- Multitasking and organization
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Automotive Technician
Braiden International Ltd
05.2020 - Current
Automotive Technician
VBR Mechanical
2020 - Current