Edie Thurtell

Automobile Technology

• Region Northern Rivers
• WorldSkills Accolade 2025 National Gold Medal
• Employer MyCar Tyre & Auto Tweed Heads
• Training Institute TAFE NSW Wollongbar
• Local Trainer / Mentor Clint Flower
• International Expert Kirk Trease - TAFE NSW
• Supported by TAFE NSW
  

“I discovered mechanics through my partner, Tyler, who has a passion for cars. From there, I posted on a local Facebook page asking what trades were looking for new apprentices. A MyCar employee replied, and I decided to give it a go. It’s been the best decision I’ve made so far.”

Apprentice Mechanic, Edie Thurtell is a rarity. Across Australia, there are only 900 female mechanics, making up a mere 0.82% of the trade. But she’s not letting that get in the way of her dreams.

“Automotive Mechanics is portrayed as a male industry and that scares off a lot of women who want to pursue it. I’m hoping putting myself out there and giving things like WorldSkills a go will inspire more women to get into the industry.”  

Although Edie says she never had a vision of being a Mechanic, she grabbed the opportunity when it presented itself. She began to really take it seriously when she discovered the broad scope of the industry, realising you “come across something new every day.”

Edie began her WorldSkills voyage as a first year Apprentice Mechanic, dipping her toes in to get a taste of what it was all about. From there, she went onto 2025 Nationals and secured the coveted Gold Medal. “It’s been a career highlight so far.”

She’s encountered challenges, including having to problem-solve different ways of dealing with tasks involving size and physical strength, but has found positives in that too. “It’s definitely built my confidence a lot, both in the industry and personally.”

Edie credits her first mentor, Daniel Schipp, for how far she’s come but is also keen to extend thanks to her employer. “They’ve been my biggest supporter throughout the whole experience. They’re willing to go above and beyond to provide me with the knowledge I need to keep improving,”, and the biggest lesson they’ve taught her? “Never be afraid to ask for help!”

As for her future, Edie wants to work her way up the career ladder, while passing her knowledge on to up and coming mechanics along the way. “It’s important that each generation to come is provided with equal opportunities to learn and achieve their goals.”

Three words that describe you – Enthusiastic, Kind, Motivated

Automobile Technology Team

Expert – Kirk Trease – TAFE NSW

Edie Thurtell is supported by: