Training to become a diesel mechanic is a near sure-fire way to secure a well-paid job in Coffs. See why there’s a chronic shortage of tradies, and how a young woman is making her way in the trade.
Motorists grinding along the Pacific Highway through the heart of Coffs Harbour will be familiar with the sign out the front of many businesses: “Wanted – Diesel mechanic”.
Despite being a heavy transport hub, those plying the trade are thin on the ground in Coffs.
Some locals qualified in the trade have moved west chasing big dollars in the mines.
Paris Knight, 20, is already in a select club as a diesel mechanic who has chosen to stay put.
Rarer still, she is a woman in an occupation traditionally monopolised by men.
The second year heavy diesel mechanic said she was drawn to the trade from a young age.
Paris Knight: “There’s a lot of support now, from the boys, TAFE and my family.” Picture: Chris Knight
“Growing up in the bush I used to go four-wheel driving with my dad (Chris) and you had to know how to get around (when a vehicle needed repair),” Ms Knight said.
She is at the forefront of a changing industry dynamic, with TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour reporting strong female enrolments in heavy vehicle mechanics courses.
Diesel motor mechanics are listed on the national Skills Priority List – and labour market data for the Mid North Coast reveals the region’s transport, postal and warehousing industry grew by 1300 workers in the past five years.
But a census in 2019 showed males account for 95.4 per cent of automotive apprentices and traineeships nationally.
Dean Mavin: “This is a fast-evolving industry with huge technical and environmental advancements being made all the time.” Picture: Chris Knight
Ms Knight of Nana Glen works at the Mavin Truck Centre at Coffs and says she has not encountered any kickback as a young woman on the sockets.
“There’s a lot of support now, from the boys (she works with), TAFE and my family,” she said.
She said customers have been welcoming too.
“Even when you go to a breakdown some might be a little bit shocked at first (to see a woman), but they are usually pretty good,” Ms Knight said.
She said the lure of the mines was easy to resist as Coffs offered a superior lifestyle and “you’re still on pretty good money here”.
The semester one 2023 class at TAFE Coffs Harbour had six females enrolled in Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Extracted in full from: Female apprentices help address shortage of diesel motor mechanics in Coffs Harbour | Daily Telegraph
