Mick Nesbitt holding a Cliff and Bunting feed in roller.
Much loved employee Mick Nesbitt has retired from full time work at Dickins Engineers after more than 26 years of dedicated service.
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Mick began working at the company when he was 35, keen to complete his fitting and machining apprenticeship.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to work on lathes and mills,” the now 61-year-old told the Free Press.
Over the years, Mick proved to be a determined worker with a love of learning all things engineering.
“It really doesn’t feel like it’s been 26 years! It’s gone by really quickly,” the Howlong local said.
“When I started Col Dickins, Greg’s grandfather was here. We had a change in bosses from Peter (Greg’s father) to Greg a few years ago.
“Greg has been a great boss and I’ve enjoyed learning from him and everyone else.”
Mick said there has been plenty of highlights over the years including learning different off other tradesmen.
“Over the years I’ve met people who have passed on some of their skills to me. I’ve learned so much,” he said.
“I have also enjoyed learning how to how to manufacture parts for the chaff cutters.
“Being able to make parts that go all round Australia is pretty special.
“Another highlight was the upgrades of the new machine lathes and mills around 10 years ago. We also upgraded the machinery and workshop. All the equipment here is great quality and good to work on.
Coming to work every day has always been great fun for Mick with plenty of banter and laughs shared with co-workers over morning and afternoon tea.
Dickins Engineers owner Greg Dickins congratulates Mick on 26 years of dedicated service.
“We share stories, experiences and jokes. The others keep up me up to date with the news around town and current affairs,” he said.
“There’s plenty of funny stories but I don’t think I can share them. It’s always a good work environment here.”
As Mick winds back his working hours, he will enjoy more time with his Labrador Jett, playing bowls out at Rand and working on his prized Chrysler Valiants.
“I will try to train Jett but I think he’s really training me!” Mick laughed.
“I’m still learning with bowls but getting better each month. It’s like this job, you learn as you go along.”
Mick said Dickins Engineers had been a wonderful company to work for.
“It’s a great company. I have enjoyed every day and getting to know different staff over the years,” he said.
“Greg and the team have been very good to me. There has always been plenty of work to do. They are a good group of people that I have been lucky enough to know.”
Dickins Engineer owner Greg Dickins said Mick has been a wonderful employee over the last 26 years.
“Mick is such a fantastic worker. He’s never a problem. He comes in everyday, knows what to do and seeks guidance when he needs it,” Greg told the Free Press.
“In 26 years, he made one mistake, and that mistake could be converted, so it wasn’t really a mistake. He’s just so methodical and disciplined in everything he does. You really couldn’t ask for a better worker.
“Mick makes one of the major components of our chaff mills. When he makes them, they are 100 per cent right, to the point where our customers will get him to make them rather than make it themselves. They just know it’s going to work perfectly if he makes them.”
“After 26 years Mick has become like family to us. We are lucky he will still pop in on a casual basis, but it’s been absolute pleasure having him part of the team over many years.”
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