From a family of fitter machinists to a Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship
Tenayah Glanville is a third-year light vehicle mechanical technology apprentice hosted at Dominelli Ford in Kirrawee in South Sydney.
Tenayah comes from family who are fitter machinists who are always building, fixing and making parts for machines and cars, so becoming a light vehicle mechanical technician was the perfect career for her.
Growing up visiting her grandparents farm, riding on motor bikes and driving farm cars around, Tenayah was always interested in fixing them when something went wrong or they wouldn’t work properly, “my dad is a machinist and diesel mechanic, I was always following him around wondering what he was doing and learning from him. When I turned 17, I thought why not give what I enjoy doing a go as an apprenticeship,” Tenayah says.
Entering a male dominated trade was a little scary for Tenayah at first, but then realising that they are all there to learn and grow as mechanics, it wasn’t so daunting, “after time I came to grow a friendship with the other mechanics and they taught me so many great things and tools that I will continue to use”.
Tenayah says she wasn’t one to excel with grades or focusing at school and thought that the TAFE component of her apprenticeship may be difficult, but it has been the complete opposite, “After my first couple of weeks of TAFE, I realised how much I enjoy learning and problem solving. For me, being able to see what’s on the paper and then out into the workshop and being hands on really helped me see what was going on and how it all worked.”
After experiencing a variety of jobs when she left school at 15 and unable to find something she enjoyed or had a passion for, Tenayah couldn’t imagine working in any other industry.
When asked what advice she would give to others who are unsure of starting in the automotive industry, Tenayah gave this advice, “If you are looking at getting into a trade but aren’t sure of many reasons, is say why not? Seek a local mechanic and ask for a trial for a week or two, so you get an understanding of the trade and what you could learn. Once you know it’s what you want to do, chat to WPC Group and have them help you find the placement for you.”
Working in a male dominated trade, Tenayah has learnt a lot and encourages other females to start their careers too, “don’t let the fact that it’s a male dominated trade scare you away, if you have an interest and passion for this trade, then you will go places and have multiple opportunities to excel.”
Upon completing her apprenticeship, Tenayah is looking at expanding her skills and knowledge by pursuing diesel mechanics.