Women In Trades Wednesday- Holly Antrobus
Holly Antrobus is an apprentice technician at Toyota, she has been in her role for almost a year. From the day she finished high school, she has been on the path to becoming a qualified mechanic. Holly left school and went straight to UCOL to begin a year-long pre-apprenticeship course in automotive engineering, while working part-time at her local Subway. Of this experience she says “I was challenged by studying alongside the other candidates who were trying to get the same kind of position I landed with my job at Toyota”
Holly is currently completing her training with MITO, and secured her job through her old neighbour, who also works at Toyota. Her work days currently involve servicing vehicles, along with fitting accessories for new vehicles.
What does Holly love most about her trade? “Getting up in the morning and being able to work on cars- which I’ve had an overall passion for ever since I can remember. I was inspired to choose an automotive trade by my Grandfather, who owns a vintage car collection.”
While Holly states she is thankful to be in the position she is today, on this path studying for her apprenticeship, her future career goals include: “To be a boss of my own workshop with female technicians!”
Some things Holly wishes she had known when she started? “That it’s okay not to know everything from the beginning, because each day you’ll learn something new and that’s how you get real skills-through experience” Along with this, she has learned quickly about working in a traditionally masculine space, and the importance of a positive work culture: “My job has definitely taught me that everyone’s equal- being in a mainly male dominated industry and being so welcomed, while being the only female technician at my work is something I really appreciate.”
What tips and advice does Holly have for others looking to get into an automotive career? “I honestly recommend the pre apprenticeship course that UCOL has to offer. I found it was such a great start in this career, and it would be a very educational start to get your foot in the door for your apprenticeship. It’s always good to have a trade qualification under your belt, so I would highly recommend getting any trade career if you can. I hope more women get into some sort of trade, as we need more girls in these industries!”
Alongside her apprenticeship, Holly has accumulated a lot of certificates attending Nga Tawa Diocesan school- such as royal surf life-saving achievements and barista courses which she feels will come in handy throughout her life.