Only female mechanic and loving it

After finishing high school, Caitlin wasn’t sure what she wanted to do but had spent years helping friends fix cars.
She decided to turn her passion into a career, securing an apprenticeship with Macarthur Mercedes Benz and is now in her second year of studying the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at TAFE NSW Campbelltown.
“I was really nervous when I went for the interview with Macarthur Mercedes Benz, I was offered a one week trial and at the end of the week, I knew it’s what I wanted to do,” she said.
“I absolutely love 4WDs, I love fixing them and going out on adventures. I bought one not long ago and I’m learning how to fix it up so that I can teach myself more about cars.”
She is the only female apprentice in her class at TAFE NSW Campbelltown but it’s not something that deters her from succeeding.
“I get along really well with my classmates, I feel just like one of the boys,” she said.
“It can be a challenge working with heavy equipment but I find ways around it; I have gained a lot of muscle.”
Her parents are also supportive; her mum wanted to be a mechanic but ended up following a different career path.
“My parents are really proud of me and my two younger brothers think it’s cool that their sister is a mechanic,” Caitlin said.
“My work is also very supportive, everyone has made me feel welcome and provided help when I needed it.”
To find out more about studying automotive at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.