Automotive Apprentice: Emma Ritchie
Emma Ritchie. Emma Ritchie is 23 and is in her second year in her dream job as an apprentice automotive technician with Ferrari Brisbane. Outside of work, Emma has just finished rebuilding her 1992 Mazda MX-5. In her spare time, Emma enjoys taking her car to the track and when she’s not doing that, she’s sketching and creating art! Her dream car? An Autozam AZ-1 - a funky mini sports car Mazda only sold in Japan!
What initially attracted you to the automotive industry and led you to pursue an apprenticeship?
When I left high school I went to TAFE and did a diploma in graphic design, but once I finished that I was at a crossroads. During my diploma I had bought my first car which was a tidy little 2003 Mitsubishi Mirage, I had always had an interest in cars and started doing my own basic servicing on it. That’s when I discovered I really enjoyed working on cars and wanted to learn more. So I decided to start applying for automotive apprenticeships, I landed a few interviews but ultimately didn't have any luck. I thought maybe it wasn't meant to be, so ended up doing a bachelors in visual communication at university instead. However, I dropped out during my second year as I started feeling creatively drained and could no longer see myself pursuing art as a career.
I ended up working at an automotive parts store and stumbled upon the Ferrari Apprenticeship by chance when a coworker mentioned seeing an ad for it. At first, I didn't think much of it as it had been a couple years since I last applied for an apprenticeship and I hadn't had any luck in the past. But driving home from work that night I realised I had nothing to lose by applying one last time. So, I gave it a go. The next thing I knew I was being called in for an interview, then I couldn't believe it when I was called again to learn I got the job!
How has your persistence and determination contributed to your success in this profession?
I don't think I would be where I am today if I wasn't open to trying new things as I am. I know people who went to university straight after school and landed a successful career they're happy with, but for me it took time to find the right fit. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that's ok! I used to compare myself to others and worry that I would just keep jumping between odd jobs and never find a career that would suit me, which was stressful and frustrating. However, I learned to make my own pathway and kept persisting and trying different things until I found the right path for me.
It wasn't easy to leave my job at the parts store, I was full time and earning a decent pay so an apprenticeship was a considerable pay cut. But I knew in the end it would take me further than I could go if I stayed where I was, so I found the courage to take a chance and I haven't looked back since.
What specific challenges have you faced as a female in a male-dominated field?
When I started, I was the only woman in our workshop so was worried I might struggle to fit in. I was pleasantly surprised to find the boys here are supportive and make me feel equally like a part of the team.
I am the smallest person in the workshop so I sometimes struggle with heavy lifting tasks, but I've learned it's ok to ask for help. I used to be worried my coworkers would look down on me for not being as strong as them but they're always happy to help and I have realised I have my own unique skill set that I can use to return the favour. For example, I’m great at reaching into tight spots on cars that others cannot!
Can you list any significant milestones or achievements that you have accomplished throughout your apprenticeship journey?
Definitely being invited to join our race team, I get to travel to race tracks around the country and work on our pit crew maintaining real race cars. It's hard work but very rewarding and a really cool experience you don't get offered in a normal apprenticeship.
I would also say landing the apprenticeship and being able to work on such unique cars is one of my biggest achievements to date. Every day is different, there’s heaps of variety as we are one of the only brands that sees both new and old cars through our workshop. It’s a great learning opportunity and keeps it interesting because it’s not unusual to work on both a modern hybrid and an older carbureted car in a single day.
How has your chosen profession as an automotive apprentice aligned with your personal interests and passions?
I've always had a passion for cars, I played with Hotwheels as a kid and watched the Fast and Furious movies as a teen. My Dad used to have a Mini Cooper S which I thought was really cool and would constantly ask for rides in. I also really enjoy learning how mechanical things work and working with my hands, I was always building Lego and making little craft projects when I was young. I still love Lego today!
I think my biggest inspiration to pursue my career was my MX-5 which I bought when I was 18, I got it cheap and it was far from perfect. I've spent the past few years restoring as many things as possible to bring the car back to its former glory, it's had a paint job and all the components in the suspension and drivetrain have now been either rebuilt, upgraded with performance parts or replaced with new or low mileage parts.
I started off trying to do as much of my own work as I could and gave the bigger jobs to a workshop. If I had the time and the tools, I would give a new skill a try while using online tutorials and service manuals to guide me. Now I have the skills and confidence to do pretty much most of the work myself. My most recent project was pulling the engine, sending it off to be machined, then rebuilding it and installing it back into the car myself. When I bought the car, I couldn’t have imagined myself doing a major job like that so it’s crazy to look back on how far I’ve come.
My MX-5 is a long-term project and I can't see myself selling it anytime soon, I've taken it to motorkhana, skid pan and happy laps and I always have a blast driving it. It's been so rewarding putting life back into it and I want to be able to give customers the same feeling when they bring their cars to us.
What skills and qualities do you need to be successful as an automotive apprentice?
I would say at the very least you need a can-do attitude and be ready and willing to learn new things because you'll spend your whole career learning as technology progresses. It definitely helps if you enjoy working in a hands-on environment and have good problem-solving skills. Being an apprentice means you will make mistakes, as long as you can acknowledge when you do and learn from them you will be able to progress. It can also be a hazardous and physically demanding job, learning to correctly use the right tools for the task as well as following OHS procedures such as proper lifting techniques and wearing the PPE will save you from constant aches and pains.
Can you tell us more about the type of training and education you receive during your apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship I'm doing is 4 years long and I need to complete a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology as well. The theory work and certification are delivered by a training company that visits our workshop once a month to do onsite training. However, other places may send you to Tafe and have you train in a class setting instead. The rest of the training is done by our master tech, I work alongside him most of the time and he is a really good teacher.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations within the automotive industry?
It'd be an awesome achievement to one day reach master technician and train my own apprentices. I think it would be very rewarding to pass on my skills to the next generation, especially if I can inspire more girls to join the industry. For now, my main goal I'm focused on is completing my apprenticeship and becoming qualified.
What advice would you give to young girls looking to enter the field?
If you are unsure if an apprenticeship in the automotive industry is right for you and want to give it a try, TAFE offers a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation which is an entry-level course that gives you the basic skills and a pathway into the industry. It's a great way to gauge if the industry is right for you. It is possible to get an apprenticeship without any formal training which is how I got into mine, but it does boost your chances if you do have it on your resume.
My final bit of advice is if you’re feeling lost and like you don’t know where you’re going on the journey of life, that’s ok. Sometimes in life we need to make mistakes or take a few steps back to move forward, everyone’s journey is different so don’t compare yourself to others. Keep persisting, make your own pathway and be open to trying new things. You are more than capable of making your own success.
Franc’s Fast Five
Dream car? Autozam AZ-1, it's a funky mini sports car Mazda only sold in Japan!
Grand Prix you most want to visit? Australian GP! We visited briefly for work this year but left before the race. I’m yet to see a race live, hopefully next year!
Movie actor crush? Ansel Elgort, Baby Driver is one of my favourite films.
Favourite snack? Do chicken nuggets count?
Best holiday? I really want to go to Okinawa! It's my 2 favourite things combined, the beach and Japan.