Mechanics and VCE can go hand in hand

Year 12 student Christiana loves cars! She has always loved cars! Luckily, with opportunities provided through her studies at Mater Christi, Christiana has been able to delve deeper into her passion and position herself for a successful career in the automotive industry when she leaves school.

All Year 10 students at Mater Christi complete a self-directed Personal Project under the supervision of a staff mentor. For her project in 2022, Christiana chose to build a motorised go-kart and learn more about vehicles in general.

“I decided to make the go-kart because I had grown up around cars. My dad is a mechanic, so I’d always had that interest. My Personal Project allowed me to learn a lot about how vehicles work, not just go-karts but cars and motorcycles”.

Her enjoyment of this project and continued interest in the automotive industry later led Christiana to choose a VET Automotive course as part of her VCE studies. Despite being one of only a few girls in the course, she loves every minute of it.

One day a week, Christiana steps out of the classroom and into a real workshop at TAFE a change of environment that she finds refreshing. This hands-on experience, using her theoretical knowledge of real cars, has made complex concepts like understanding an engine simpler and more enjoyable to learn.

While female uptake of trades and trade courses may be on the rise, Christiana recognises it is still uncommon for female students to consider these kinds of courses in VCE. She is keen to highlight the employment opportunities, competitive pay and job satisfaction that trades have to offer and to encourage more girls to consider them,

“I would like to say to other female students out there - don't be afraid to explore this path. Practical skills are incredibly valuable and in high demand and can be a great alternative to traditional academic routes, with rewarding career opportunities.” 

While Christiana is still exploring her career options in the industry, she plans to undertake an apprenticeship and eventually establish her own business converting fuel-based cars to electric or hybrid motors with her dad.

For now, however, she is making the most of the variety and challenge provided by her VET course and keeping her mind open to all possibilities afforded by this exciting industry - including administration, design, and being a mechanic.

We look forward to hearing more about her journey in the years ahead!