Jessica’s five-year plan involves FIFO and homeownership

After two years in the light vehicle automotive industry, Jessica decided that spinning filters and basic car servicing wasn’t challenging enough.

Jessica decided to change employers, and transfer into her first year of a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Chisholm.

Jumping at the chance to change her specialisation in the automotive industry, Jessica turned her focus to her studies and TAFE work. When it comes to learning in the classroom or on the workshop floor, Jessica appreciates the reflection of the real world with industry-relevant training tasks.

She connected with a girl in her class, forging a friendship based on shared lived experiences as women. Her TAFE teachers also assisted in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of gender. Jessica thinks fondly of her times in the classroom, commenting that her teachers push her more and ask her to demonstrate tasks to “Show the boys that I can do it too.”

One of her teachers, James Bagley, emphasises the importance of treating all apprentices equally and acknowledges that “It is great to see more female apprentices entering the trade.”

Her current place of work, Porter Equipment Melbourne in Dandenong South is nothing short of fantastic. Her employer is an advocate for women in the automotive industry, encouraging Jessica to give it her best shot. As the most senior apprentice at work, Jessica has been given more responsibility than ever before. She’s now in charge of supervising and assisting other apprentices. She’s also responsible for managing and maintaining the hire equipment, including dump trucks, excavators and loaders.

Looking forward, Jessica will be finishing her third year of her Heavy Vehicle apprenticeship, before doing one year of her Mobile Plant apprenticeship. This will allow Jessica to graduate with a dual trade qualification, opening even more doors for her. Using her highly sought-after dual trade qualification to her advantage, Jessica is eager to push the envelope and work as much as possible to afford a home within five years. She greatly values financial stability and will ensure she reaps the rewards of all her hard work as an apprentice.

With her sights set on one day earning a high salary doing FIFO work in the mines, Jessica is determined to overcome adversity and face new challenges. It's this resilience that will drive her to achieve her goals and create a lasting impact on her career and life.