Automotive - Sophie Mitchell

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GTOs support young women to succeed in careers in trades

When Sophie Mitchell began her apprenticeship in automotive refinishing and spray painting, she was prepared for the challenge of being a rare woman in a traditional trade.

"There are only two other girls in my training course," she says. "I'm the only female tradie."

Having completed a pre-apprenticeship in spray painting, Sophie took on an apprenticeship with a small panel and paint business. After just a few months she found she wasn't happy at work. So Sophie signed on with Gforce, a Group Training organisation, to take advantage of their strong links with industry and employers.

"Gforce secured a place for me with a local dealership and it's been much better than my earlier apprentice experience. I now have a bigger team to learn from, it's a more professional company, and a better shop to work in."

Sophie found the support and involvement from her Gforce Field Officer allowed her to concentrate on learning her trade.

"Gforce simplifies everything for me," says Sophie. "They make it easy to handle paperwork, they organise safety equipment for me like work boots and other gear, and they make sure my pay is always on time and consistent. There's no messing around."

Sophie is aiming to complete her training ahead of schedule, so that she can obtain her qualification sooner, and be part of the changing face of the automotive industry – a change her colleagues are well prepared for.

"I have not had a problem being the only girl. The blokes I work with are great."