Chelcie was on track to completing a Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology, undertaking an apprenticeship where she was working on boat engines. Not feeling that this was the right path for her, Chelcie decided she wanted to challenge herself further by changing over to a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic apprenticeship.
A member of the BUSY Sisters program, which offers mentoring support and a connected community for females entering or working in male-dominated trade careers, Chelcie reached out to her BUSY Sisters mentor, Billie-Jo, to see how she could find an employer to take her on. She was keen to use her prior skills with diesel engines and transition to the new apprenticeship pathway with heavy vehicles.
Billie-Jo reached out to BUSY At Work’s Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) team who soon found Chelcie an incredible opportunity to start a Heavy Vehicle Mechanical apprenticeship. The opportunity was with JJ’s Waste & Recycling, the largest privately owned waste management company in Australia.
Chelcie always had an interest in cars and enjoyed getting her hands dirty, so the idea of an apprenticeship in the heavy diesel industry really got her motor running (pun intended). BUSY helped Chelcie review her resume and tailor it to JJ’s requirements for the role, her transferrable skills being an advantage. To her delight, Chelcie got an interview, and then a work trial, and, proving herself to her new employer, she successfully secured herself an apprenticeship.
“It feels like I have found my forever job. I am so happy I made the change and am now pursuing something I love with an amazing company.”
Kate Shapiro, Women in Trades Officer at BUSY At Work, said Chelcie and JJ’s are a perfect fit.
“Chelcie ticks all the boxes. She’s passionate, has a great work ethic and is hungry to learn more skills and knowledge to develop her ability in her trade.”
Chelcie is really enjoying working with JJ’s, stating, “Everyone here is so lovely and makes you feel part of the team.”
“JJ’s take such good care of us. They recognise us for who we are, they value us and allow us to grow and learn,” she added.
BUSY At Work and BUSY Sisters will continue to support Chelcie throughout her apprenticeship, ensuring she feels heard and respected.
“Chelcie is a true inspiration, proving that if you aren’t happy with your employer or trade, there is more for you out there. There are great employers who will value you and want to help you grow in a trade to be the best tradeswoman you can be!” said Kate.
Chelcie thanked both BUSY At Work and BUSY Sisters for their ongoing support, saying “You have both improved not just my working life, but my everyday life, and for that I am really grateful.”
Learn more about BUSY At Work’s support for women entering non-traditional trades.
Learn more about BUSY Sisters mentoring program for females entering or working in male-dominated trades.
Chelcie (middle) with Billie-Jo (L) from BUSY Sisters and Kate (R) from BUSY At Work, who supported her to transition to an apprenticeship that Chelcie prefers for her career path.
