Hey! I’m Anabelle Deas, currently diving into a school-based apprenticeship in Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanics, working towards my Certificate III.Ìý
Cars have fascinated me since I was a kid. I used to tinker with toy cars while my friends were busy with other stuff. I knew from early on that I really wanted to make this passion a career. In Grade 8, I even did a presentation on my dream career, and mechanical work was my top pick. The thrill of fixing things just felt right, and hey, if my car breaks down one day, at least I’ll know what to do!
These past six months have been an incredible ride. I’ve gotten loads of hands-on experience, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. ÌýPaperwork is a total pain, and I’ve dealt with scepticism about my abilities, especially as a girl in a male-dominated field. Balancing my studies has been tricky, too. Some people say I should stick to subjects I excel at and explore careers in psychology or law, but honestly, a desk job isn’t for me. I just want to fix.
Working with my stepdad at Midas in Geebung has been awesome. The team atmosphere is incredible. The team treats me like one of their own and they’re super supportive of my growth as a mechanic. Plus, our shop is all about giving back. We helped a community member whose car broke down while feeding the homeless, and when people in the community heard what we were doing, they jumped in to help out. There are also heaps of other mechanic shops around here who are more than happy to have a chat and give me some advice.Ìý
Every day on the job, I’m learning something new. No two cars are the same, which keeps things fresh and exciting. Sure, I sometimes struggle with the heavy lifting as I am not the most physically strong person, and some stubborn bolts feel like they’re glued on.
ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ has been amazing. Tania Dale, my Apprenticeships Field Consultant, is super approachable and makes it easy to ask questions without feeling like I’m on the spot or sitting a job interview. I’d totally recommend ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ to anyone, they’ve made this experience feel manageable and realistic.
Looking ahead, I want this apprenticeship to unlock more opportunities in the automotive world. I love meeting a diverse range of people and the vibrant atmosphere that comes with it. I’m also exploring mechanical engineering and maybe even army mechanics because I’m fascinated by how machinery works, and it seems like an epic career.Ìý
So, that’s me! Excited to keep this journey rolling!
