Amber Ryan’s Journey to Completing Her Light Vehicle Mechanical Apprenticeship

Introduction

Amber Ryan, a recent graduate of the Light Vehicle Mechanical apprenticeship program at CMI Toyota East Side in South Australia, shares her inspiring journey and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. Mas National interviewed Amber to gain insights into her experiences and the impact of her career choice on both her personal and professional life.

The Challenge

Amber faced some tough hurdles during her apprenticeship. One of the biggest was building her physical strength and getting comfortable with using tools. As one of the smaller people in the workshop, she found tasks that required a lot of muscle, like loosening tight bolts, really challenging. She also had a hard time asking for help at first, feeling a bit shy about it. However, despite these obstacles, Amber always felt welcomed and supported by her colleagues at CMI Toyota East Side. She never had a moment where she felt out of place or underestimated, which is a big deal in a field where women are less common.

The Solution

To tackle the physical challenges, Amber bought tools that gave her more leverage, making the work easier. She also got stronger over time, thanks to the hands-on nature of the job. For the mental hurdle of asking for help, she learned that it’s okay and even necessary for learning. Her family and friends, especially her parents, were a huge source of confidence and encouragement. The workshop at CMI Toyota East Side also had a family-like vibe, with colleagues who were always ready to lend a hand.

The Results

Amber is really proud of the skills she picked up, especially her problem-solving and diagnostic abilities. She discovered that being a mechanic is about more than just servicing and replacing parts; it involves a wide range of tasks, especially with the growing number of hybrid and electric vehicles. One of her most memorable achievements was her first engine swap. It was nerve-wracking, but it went smoothly and gave her a big confidence boost. Balancing practical work with studying was doable for Amber, and she never felt swamped by the workload.

Conclusion

Amber’s journey as a Light Vehicle Mechanical apprentice has been fulfilling. She strongly encourages other young women to consider a career in trades, telling them to give it a try and not to hesitate to ask questions. She’s planning to keep training to become a diagnostic technician and to explore a dual-trade in auto electrical. Amber hopes to show that anyone can succeed in a trade, no matter their gender or background.