Rebecca Nissenbaum has always loved cars. So, at just 17, she left school to pursue an automotive apprenticeship with Apprenticeship Careers Australia.
Rebecca is part of a new wave of women keen to leave their mark in the automotive industry. Nationally, women make up just 2 per cent of mechanics (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024) and just 8 per cent of automotive apprentices (NCVER, 2024).
Breaking barriers in the workshop
For the past four years, she’s been the only woman in the workshop at Mercedes-Benz Mosman.
“I’ve always been a hands-on learner, and I’ve always liked cars,” Rebecca says. “It was a big change coming here and being the only woman. It’s been difficult at times, but I really love it.”
Now fully qualified and working full time as an Automotive Technician at Peter Warren Automotive, Rebecca is proof that determination and support can take you far in a male-dominated trade.
Support every step of the way
Apprenticeship Careers Australia, one of Australia’s largest Group Training Organisations, supported Rebecca throughout her apprenticeship. Apprenticeship Careers Australia recruits and employs apprentices, then places them with host employers like Peter Warren Automotive for on-the-job training. Their field officers stay in touch to support apprentices with both work and personal challenges.
“Apprenticeship Careers Australia has guided me through, especially my field manager, Michelle. She’s always been there when I needed anything,” Rebecca says.
Caroline Smith, General Manager at Apprenticeship Careers Australia, adds, “Our field officers are probably the most passionate people in our business. They know our apprentices best, and that dedicated support means they’ve always got someone to call, no matter what.”
“One of the key drivers of skill shortages across Australia is when you've got an industry where the workforce skews to a particular gender. By addressing that, we're helping the broader economic community by directly addressing skill shortages. There's a lot to be gained by making sure that women are represented in all industries, but particularly male-dominated. It's very important.” explains Caroline.
Encouraging the next generation
Rebecca hopes her journey will encourage more women to consider a career in trades. “The more women we get into trades, the less it’ll be seen as a ‘male’ job. It’ll just be a trade. And we need more women in trade – come join!”
Thinking about a trade career?
Curious about starting an apprenticeship or traineeship? Apprenticeship Careers Australia can support you every step of the way.