From the start, is a novice mechanic (7)
I believe the answer is:
artisan
'mechanic' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'from the start is a novice' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ARTISAN' is hidden within 'start is a novice'.
(Other definitions for artisan that I've seen before include "Skilled craftsperson" , "craftsman of his trade" , "Smith" , "Skilled tradesman" , "Skilled worker by hand" .)