Harriett always dreamed of becoming a diesel mechanic: now she has an apprenticeship

Harriett Faulds on-site at the Hobart City Council depot at Clearys Gates.

TasTAFE learner Harriett Faulds grew up driving farm equipment around Carlton River east of Hobart. Her father drove trucks, her uncle drove trucks…and she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a diesel mechanic.

Now, just a few months into her TasTAFE training, she’s started an apprenticeship.

Harriett began a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation course at TasTAFE in August this year, studying at the Southern Central Trade Training Centre in Bridgewater.

“I saw it as a good career pathway, to help me get an apprenticeship and be successful in it,” Harriett said – understating the challenges she has faced in pursuing her dreams.

“I probably applied for over 100 apprenticeships,” Harriett said, “but I kept being knocked back because of my lack of experience. But having started my Certificate II at TasTAFE and by staying consistent, Hobart City Council gave me the opportunity.

“My apprenticeship means embarking on an exciting journey to becoming a qualified diesel mechanic – and breaking the cycle by being the first-ever female diesel fitter that Hobart City Council has had,” Harriett said.

“I really enjoy getting on the tools and learning as much as I can. And of course, showing the boys up!”

Harriett had only completed 3 units of her 5-month Certificate II program when she was offered her apprenticeship with HCC – an unusual scenario that speaks volumes about her maturity, single-minded ambition and passion for her trade.

TasTAFE Automotive Teacher Tristan Sabol has been working with Harriett at Bridgewater. He isn’t surprised that she’s secured an apprenticeship ahead of schedule.

“Harriett knew that she wanted an apprenticeship, and she knew the Certificate II program would help her to get there,” Tristan said. “She’s been a very keen learner – always ready to get in and have a crack in the workshop, pulling things apart and using the hand tools. She’s been a model student, really.”

Harriett’s perspective on her time at TasTAFE is just as positive.

“I’ve loved TasTAFE so far. Tristan has been extremely welcoming and very supportive, as I was the only girl in the class. He knew I was looking for a heavy diesel apprenticeship, and he supported me in my journey towards that.”

Aside from teaching Harriett about diesel engines, Tristan also offered a few tips ahead of her HCC job interview.

“Harriett comes from a rural background, so I said, ‘Make sure you mention that you’ve been driving farm machinery and you’re into horses!’ But of course, the main point is that having started the Certificate II course, she’s got some great hands-on experience now,” Tristan said.

With her apprenticeship underway, Harriett will withdraw from her Certificate II studies and begin a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, completing training blocks at TasTAFE’s Alanvale Campus in Launceston.

“I’m feeling good about it,” Harriett said. “I won’t mind the drive up to Launceston – it’ll be a change of scene, and I’ll be working towards my trade with great TasTAFE teachers.”

With support from TasTAFE, Harriett has turned her dreams into reality, and her future is looking bright. Where will she be in 5 or 10 years?

“I see myself being a qualified diesel mechanic, teaching apprentices and showing them the ropes,” Harriet said. “You’ve just got to chase your dreams – and TasTAFE has so many resources to help you work towards them.”