More women heading to the transport industry

Diesel motor mechanics have been on the Skills Priority List for the past three years, with a June 2023 report finding the estimated vacancy fill rate was particularly low for occupations in Automotive Trades.

Labour Market data show that the Western Sydney region’s transport, postal and warehousing industry grew by 10,000 workers in the past year, with an 80-percent male workforce.

At TAFE NSW Wetherill Park, the 2024 semester one cohort enrolled in Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology includes 10 women – one of the highest ever female enrolments at the campus.

Peta Patrice is a first-year apprentice mechanic, working at Complete Sweep. Peta has had previous experience with heavy vehicles, but wanted to achieve her accreditation and so began her apprenticeship at TAFE NSW.

Peta says she has always been drawn to the practical skills needed in mechanics.

“I have always loved the hands-on nature of working with vehicles. Completing this apprenticeship at TAFE NSW is an opportunity for me to turn a passion into a career,” Peta said.

“It will mean I can work in an industry I’m interested in, where there is plenty of work, can earn a good income and stay living locally.

“Being a woman in a male dominated industry can be daunting, but my teachers at TAFE NSW are incredibly supportive and encouraging, as is my employer.”

Workshop manager Corey Brownlow at Complete Sweep says Peta is proving to be a promising employee, eager to learn and demonstrating initiative.

“Heavy vehicles can be complex to work with and you need to have the right attitude.

“Peta has already shown she has the desire to learn and build her skills, which is what we look for in this industry,” Corey said.

“Peta is the first female employee we’ve had in the workshop.

“We’ve had several women operating our vehicles, but it’s great to have Peta here behind the scenes.

“Being an apprentice is the best way to accelerate a career in automotive and provides a real pathway to more senior positions.

“There’s strong demand for skilled heavy vehicle workers across western Sydney, so it’s great to have TAFE NSW delivering the courses locally.”

TAFE NSW Heavy Vehicle Teacher Tuliana Morell is the first female to hold the role at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park and said it’s an exciting time for women joining the industry.

“I’ve never worked with another female heavy vehicle mechanic, but the industry is starting to see more women enter the workforce and I get to be part of it by imparting my knowledge to a generation of young women – it’s a very rewarding job,” Tuliana said.

Another female Western Sydney TAFE NSW apprentice has recently been recognised by the automotive industry, having built an unexpected career in a male dominated space.

Last month, TAFE NSW Campbelltown apprentice Mia Simione received Paint & Panel’s Women in Collision Award for Technicians, recognising the outstanding achievements of women in the automotive industry.

Mia’s started her career path via TAFE NSW’s Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) Program: an initiative designed to inspire disengaged high school students into trades.

The YES Program, delivered at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, provides high school students from local schools the chance to experience hands-on work in trades and ignite new study or career goals.

Mia completed the YES Program in 2021 at 15 years old, when she first learnt about career paths on offer by learning a trade.

“I wasn’t any good at school and didn’t know about the other careers I could have,” said Mia.

“It never occurred to me to do a trade.

“If I hadn’t done the YES Program, I would never have started this career that I love.

“Going to TAFE NSW was the best decision I ever made,” she said.