Driving Change: Female Apprentices Take On Automotive Careers
Monday, 02 Mar 2026
A new generation of female automotive mechanics is emerging across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato, supported by Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Managed Automotive Apprenticeship Programme.
As International Women’s Day approaches on Sunday 8 March, Toi Ohomai is celebrating the achievements of six female automotive apprentices who are proving that a career as a mechanic or automotive technician is both viable and future-focussed, at a time when the industry urgently needs new talent.
From workshops in Whakatāne to Kawerau and Taupō, the apprentices are now in paid roles with local employers and supported by Toi Ohomai:
Jemma Hayes
Jemma Hayes stepped straight into a managed apprenticeship at Ocean Ford in Whakatāne. She completed a New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) and is working towards becoming fully qualified by completing the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) – Managed Apprentice programme through Toi Ohomai.
Hannah Yells
Hannah Yells transitioned from retail into the automotive industry. As an apprentice mechanic at AA Auto Centre Whakatāne, Hannah completed a Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) while in work and is now working towards the Level 4 certificate.
Courtney Dale
Courtney Dale is an Automotive Technician at Pacific Toyota Whakatāne and has completed the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) as a Managed Apprentice. After spending a day in her father’s mechanics workshop, she realised it was the career she wanted to pursue. Rather than join the family business, Courtney wanted to build her own path and approached Pacific Toyota about apprenticeship opportunities.
Cassidy Spillman
Cassidy began training full-time in the Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) at the Toi Ohomai Rotorua campus before welcoming a baby. After securing an apprenticeship at CCR Kawerau, she completed her Level 3 qualification as a managed apprentice and is now working towards gaining her Level 4 certficate.
Delta Day
Delta Day is already a fully qualified mechanic, working at Taupō Automotive. Delta completed both her New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) – Managed Apprentice with Toi Ohomai.
Jay McMillan
Jay McMillan works at Altruck and Machinery Services in Whakatāne. After completing her Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) at Toi Ohomai, she is now progressing through the New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 4) via our institute’s Whakatāne campus.
Many of these wāhine began their journey into automotive careers as part of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Secondary Tertiary Partnership (STP) programme. The initiative connects Year 11 - 13 students across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato with industry-aligned training options during their final years of high school. Secondary school ākonga (learners) train on campus at Toi Ohomai during parts of the school week to help fast-track their pathway into in-demand vocations.
Toi Ohomai Senior Academic Staff Member - Automotive Apprenticeships and STP, Rebecca Rouse supports Toi Ohomai automotive ākonga into managed apprentices. She says New Zealand’s automotive industry has changed significantly since she completed her own apprenticeship around 25 years ago.
“Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, diagnostics and computer-based systems. The work is increasingly technical and far less dependent on heavy lifting, making it a more appealing career option for women.”
“When I completed my apprenticeship, I was the only female mechanic in my town. Now we’re seeing far more women enter the trade with clear, supported vocational pathways,” Rebecca says.
Demand for skilled mechanics and automotive technicians has increased significantly in recent years and shows no signs of slowing.
The 2025 State of the Nation Report by Capricorn - Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative - identifies attracting and retaining skilled staff as the number one challenge facing automotive businesses across New Zealand and Australia.
Its findings show that 43% of automotive businesses currently employ an apprentice, with a further 33% expecting to take on a new apprentice in the near term. The data also points to rising female participation within the automotive industry, with 28% of workshops reporting they currently employ a female apprentice or mechanic.
“This signals a real shift,” Rebecca says. “Plus, women also bring strengths that are highly valued in today’s automotive repairs and servicing industry… Wāhine often bring a high level of attention to detail, strong communication skills and an ability to build trust with customers, contributing a calm and focussed presence in the workshop.”
Are you interested in a career in the automotive industry?
Toi Ohomai is helping build the next generation of automotive talent right here in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. To learn more about our training options, visit this page of our website.