MTA February 2023 SA

APPRENTICE PROFILE
Paige Cole,
a Passionate
Apprentice with
a Promising
Future
For Paige Cole, embarking on an
automotive career was nothing
short of a step into the unknown,
but now after three years she has
not looked back.
A fourth year Light Vehicle Mechanic
Apprentice at the MTA, she is
currently employed at BMW Adelaide.
Paige had no prior auto experience
when she enrolled for her
apprenticeship but she remembers
always being fascinated by cars.
“I bought my first car at the age of
16. It was red and shiny and I didn’t
want anyone else to touch it.”
Paige was hired by the MTA following
her interview and was accepted
into an induction course to learn
the fundamentals. She received a
call from her Automotive Business
Specialist at the time asking if she
would like to attend an interview.
Paige agreed and Adelaide BMW later
hired her for the next six months.
Franco Albuino, her Automotive
Business Specialist at the time said,
“Paige was always enthusiastic and
committed to her training. There
was no doubt in my mind that
an employer would embrace her
qualities and abilities.”
For Paige, her unfamiliarity with cars
was matched by a determination
to give it her best shot, regardless
of what the outcome may have
been. She now enjoys building her
confidence day-by-day.
“No one in my family was handy
with cars and were afraid to touch
them,” she recalled.
“I saw it as an opportunity to
challenge myself and was very
eager to learn. This apprenticeship
gave me a new direction in life.”
And her advice for other women
interested in the automotive industry
is clear.
“It doesn’t matter what gender you
are,” she said. “Everyone at my job
is very supportive. Their strengths
also complement mine.”
“I can reach stuff that most guys
can’t since I have little hands and
the boys can help me if I need
assistance lifting things.”
“If you can follow directions, you
can complete an apprenticeship.
“I saw it as an
opportunity to
challenge myself
and was very
eager to learn.
This apprenticeship
gave me a new
direction in life.”
19
“It doesn’t matter
what gender you
are... everyone
at my job is very
supportive.”
“It’s easier than you might think.
Every day is unique and it can
occasionally be stressful however
it can also be very exciting.”
Paige’s Service Manager Adam
Martin said, “In 23 years of working in
dealerships, Paige is one of the best
apprentices I’ve ever had the privilege
of working with. She’s always eager
and willing to learn, has good work
ethic and is the first to arrive and last
to leave. She puts most of the guys
to shame.”
Paige’s goals are to complete her
apprenticeship at the MTA before
pursuing additional training at BMW
to receive her certification by the
manufacturer. She would then have
the opportunity to travel to Germany
for further training.
“When there’s a problem, you can
spend a long time trying to figure
it out but when you finally solve
the issue you have that knowledge
forever,” she said.
Outside of her apprenticeship, Paige
enjoys reading featuring builds in
magazines and watching YouTube
channels such as Mighty Car Mods
and JDM cars.
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