Event Panel Feature- Toni Harris

Women in Trades NZ would like to introduce you to Toni Harris- apprentice Automotive Mechanic in North Waikato, and one of our panellists for our 2021 Getting Women Into Trades Event.

If you are attending the event on August 19, and have any questions for Toni, make a note and bring them along- you will have the opportunity to ask questions of all our panellists at the end of the panel session.

WIT: Tell us about yourself, what do you enjoy? What do you do for fun outside of work?

Toni: My name is Toni Harris, I am 39 years old, I have four children and I live with my husband on the farm that he manages in North Waikato. Outside of the family and work, I enjoy showing my 4 dogs and being a part of the Northern Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.I have 4 very spoiled Staffies.

WIT: What trade do you work in and what experience do you have within your trade? Did you make a change from a more traditional career? If so, why?

Toni: I am working as an apprentice Automotive Mechanic. I am studying automotive engineering level 3 & 4 through MITO. I was originally the Admin at my current workplace, so this is a huge change. Almost a year ago I decided I had enough of being in the office and that I would much prefer to learn the other side of things. It's the best decision I've ever made!

WIT: What do you find most enjoyable/rewarding about working in your trade?

Toni: I find my job highly satisfying. I'm a person who gets bored easily and my trade keeps me interested. I like that every day is different. Sure, there are services but each day there are different makes, models and years of vehicles, so I am constantly learning.

The most rewarding thing is fixing something and it working! When I did my first engine swap, I got a huge burst of pride when I turned the key and the engine turned over for the first time- my inner goddess did a backflip! I love that my daughters and my sons get to see me doing something that I am so passionate about, and that doesn't fit the usual mold. The girls see that gender is not a restraint and there's many career options out there.

WIT: What have you found most challenging and how did you overcome these challenges?

Toni: The most challenging part of my job has been the strength factor. I am slowly becoming stronger but to begin with I had to ask for help a lot- especially with cracking bolts or tightening to the correct torque. I've learned that leverage is your friend! I just have to use bigger power bars or use leverage to my advantage. Asking for help is not something I have an issue with, so if I can't do it after trying everything myself, then I ask one of the others.

WIT: What advice would you give re finding a job / the interview process? Or starting out fresh in a new company as a new apprentice? Do you have any words of support/encouragement?

Toni: To get yourself into the industry, I'd highly recommend befriending your local mechanic. Doing a pre-trade course can help put yourself out there, I didn't but it would help knowledge wise. Just keep showing up. Auto Super shoppes have an academy that runs a 12 week course and they can help place you in workshops for experience. As well as that, you can jump in and start yourself. There are so many videos on YouTube about engines and how they work- learn the basics and soak up the knowledge.

WIT: Do you have any goals for the future?

Toni: My goals for the future are to finish my apprenticeship and become a qualified mechanic. I'd love to run some "shop courses" to teach girls about cars and how to do their own maintenance. I can see myself mentoring a student. I'd love to help another female get into the trade. I started with almost zero base knowledge- I wasn't brought up learning about cars. I have always enjoyed watching motorsport and had an interest in classic cars, but I knew nothing about cars before I dove in head first into the MITO programme. I now have my own ‘57 ford that I tinker on in my garage. A new interest has turned into a passion and a life changing career.

WIT would like to say a huge thank you to Toni for taking the time to help us get to know a little about her trade journey, ahead of hearing from her in person at the upcoming event.

If you haven't got your FREE tickets yet- head to our event page HERE for all the info and tickets!