LONDONDERRY’S Louise Azzopardi was the first woman to ever compete in her field at the World Skills Australia trade skills competition, and to top it off, she won.
The heavy vehicle mechanic, who works at The Tractor Shop in Glossodia, won a gold medal in October, and next year will represent Australia in her category.
World Skills Australia is a competition for people who work in trades, which sees the competitors put through their paces in solving problems related to their work.
Ms Azzopardi said it was a great feeling to know she had won a gold medal.
“It was pretty amazing, I couldn't believe, I still can't really believe it,” she said.
Ms Azzopardi said the competition was not easy, and she had to train for it a couple of times a week.
She said she would have to continue to train in the lead up to competing at the international competition in Abu Dhabi next October.
Heavy vehicle mechanics involves fixing trucks, tractors and other large vehicles, and is a field dominated by men and that has never been a problem for Ms Azzopardi.
“I have always been one of the boys,” she said.
Ms Azzopardi said she had never felt out of place in the workshop, and wanted to see other women consider a trade.
“I have spoken at career days before. I once had a girl ask me if anyone had looked down on me because I didn't go to university, but I said I am happy so who cares what anyone thinks,” she said.
“I am trying to take advantage of this opportunity, to be seen around so other girls can consider a trade as an option.”
Working on engines was something she had always wanted to do. She said she left school after finishing year 10.
“I knew I didn't want to go to year 11 and 12 and university,” she said.
“My parents are farmers and I have just grown up helping them on the farm.
“I met a heavy vehicle apprentice and she was telling me about her workshop and I went and did work experience at Cummins and eventually did my apprenticeship there.”
Ms Azzopardi said the thing she liked about her job the most was fixing things.
“I just like the process of fixing things. Something comes in broken and you have the ability to fix it and once you see the finished project it is a good feeling.”
