Women In Trades Wednesday- Kate Vandermeer

Kate Vandermeer is a heavy diesel mechanic, holding a level 4 Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (agriculture).

With huge variety to her days, Kate can either be in the field or workshop, working on anything from ride-on mowers to heavy agricultural vehicles like combine harvesters or articulated tractors.

 Her Dad is an HVAC engineer, so engineering and trades were always in the background- he encouraged Kate to consider all options, though he really wanted her to go to university! After high-school, Kate completed trade training in the Air Force, before starting her new apprenticeship at age 30. 

 The variety- in both the size of equipment and the type of work she does are what Kate loves most about being a mechanic. She works in specialist areas such as hydraulics, electrics and engines, as well as carrying out general maintenance and repair work, and helping out in the parts department after she learned her company’s parts system too.

 Around 2 months after switching to agriculture from heavy plant and equipment, Kate was given the task to strip and rebuild the rear axle on a tractor. She says this is her most proud achievement to date, as whilst she had plenty of guidance and support, Kate says “the fact I did 90% of the work myself made me realise I really do have what it takes to be a mechanic.”

 Kate’s future goals include specialising in electrics & electronics- “it’s such a huge area in agriculture, as so much is operated by vehicle computers and we have a growing specialisation in precision agriculture. It takes patience and a good analytical thought process to nut out the challenges, which is perfect for me.” She is also aiming to become a senior tech helping train apprentices- “teaching practical skills is a passion I discovered whilst instructing in the Air Force, and I’m keen to be back in that position”.

 Kate’s advice for others considering mechanical trades is “be brave and don’t quit on your dreams! It can be hard to find that perfect fit initially, but keep building your skills & taking every day as it comes- you’ll make it! Also, get yourself a mentor and support crew- even if it’s random lady tradies on Instagram!”