Student Profile

Bianca Delaney - Automotive apprenticeship

In 2006 Bianca Delaney was in her final year of a TAFE NSW Automotive Apprenticeship, attending class one day per week at TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute's Hornsby College, while working four days at Active Automotive in Brookvale.

After working for a short time as a receptionist, Bianca was sure she didn't want a desk job. She knew she wanted to work with her hands. Trades like building or plumbing were appealing, but a couple of weekends work in an automotive repair shop made up her mind. She loved the work, loved the cars and especially loved the idea of being a girl who can fix her own car!

Bianca thrived on the atmosphere in the workshop and won the respect of her male colleagues. She had great support from her employer, but also had to work hard against some preconceptions about women in the industry.

"When I first started you could tell that a lot of people who came into the shop were wondering if a 'girl' could fix their car but now I have lots of regular customers. Once they get to know me and my work, they have no doubts and even ask for me specifically," said Bianca.

"I really want to have a place of my own where female mechanics can come and work. I just love what I do, I can't imagine ever doing anything else, and I think a lot of women would feel the same.

"Being a mechanic is very different now than it used to be - the work has become a lot less physical and a lot more diagnostic. Employers are looking for people who can analyse and diagnose problems, rather than just haul parts in and out."

"It doesn't matter whether you are male or female, it just matters how well you know your stuff", said Bianca.

After 2006, Bianca will have one more year of working as an apprentice before becoming a fully qualified mechanic.

"I am so excited, some people didn't think I would make it, but I'm still here, and I'm staying! Hornsby College has been excellent. I am still the only girl in the class, but all the guys are great fun to work with and the teachers have been really supportive. The course is self-paced, which is fantastic for me, so I might be able to finish in less than a year."