Trade: Mechanic

Instagram: @chelsthetradie

Hey! I’m Chelsea, I’m a qualified light vehicle mechanic in Geebung, Brisbane. 

I’m also a plant lover, roller skater, food enthusiast, and motorsport fiend.

I’ve been in the auto industry since 2017, and my favourite car to work on is my 1970 Volkswagen Beetle (her name is Suzi). It constantly tests my patience, but it is a labour of love in its truest form. I think some people assume from my car that I am quite the euro enthusiast, however, if I was to choose which make of cars I worked on at work, it would be either Toyota or Hyundai. 

When I was in school considering a trade for a profession, I didn’t have much in the way of external encouragement. I remember people telling me I “wouldn’t last 2 days” in a workshop which only fuelled my motivation even more. This is the reason I am so passionate about the upcoming generation of tradies currently going into their apprenticeship. I think there is a big hole when it comes to support, both mentally and physically, in the trades, especially the automotive trades, and especially for women.

This is where I aspire to fill that gap to try to inspire, mentor, educate, and support people trying to get through their time in their apprenticeship. Don’t get me wrong, it can be very tough to complete an apprenticeship, and this industry changes nearly every day, but it’s not impossible. Currently, I am part of the ~2% of qualified mechanics that are female in Australia. This percentage can absolutely be changed with the right kind of environments at work and with support. 

I hope to own my own workshop in the near future to be able to financially support me and my fiance’s drag racing dream team. I’ll also be able to host my own apprentices as well as run hands-on workshops in my own business, creating a safe and fun environment for anyone to ask questions and get their hands dirty!