New apprentice Brennah Aumua is encouraging school leavers to “be whatever they want to be” as she bucks the trend of embarking on an apprenticeship in the male-dominated automotive industry.
The TAFE NSW Cobar and former Cobar High School student has recently commenced an apprenticeship at SC Auto Electrical.
Brennah completed a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation at TAFE NSW while still at school, so she’s ahead of the game in her apprenticeship training.
With motor mechanics expected to experience the largest employment growth in the NSW Automotive Trades and Services industry over the next three years, there is no better time to consider a career in keeping the engines of Cobar running.
Brennah has proven she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty in a predominately male industry.
“I always wanted to learn more about electrical technology and when there was an option to study auto electrical at TAFE NSW in Year 10 and 11, it seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Brennah said.
“Studying at TAFE NSW has really helped me get to where I am today.
“I’ve learnt a range of hands-on skills such as how to service cars, change tyres, tool usage and WH&S procedures as well as learning on-the-job through work placements.
“Being the only girl in my TAFE NSW class and in the workplace doesn’t bother me,” Brennah said.
She said she is really enjoying her apprenticeship working with auto electrician Sean Cox.
“The TAFE NSW teachers also provide one-on-one guidance and pass on their knowledge and experiences of the industry.
“I’m looking forward to learning more when I study a Certificate III in Automotive
Electrical Technology as part of my apprenticeship.”
Mr Cox said in a short period of time Brennah has made a big impression in the workplace.
“Brennah undertook her TAFE NSW work placement with SC Auto Electrical and when I needed to put on an apprentice she ticked all of the boxes,” he said.
“Brennah is eager to learn, a great people person and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.
“Completing the pre-apprenticeship course while at school has also meant that she has already developed the hands-on skills needed to hit the ground running in the workplace, which is exactly what I was looking for,” Mr Cox said.
To find out more about automotive courses available at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au
