Twenty three year old Lucy Williams firmly believes she has the right qualities to make it in the spray painting industry.
Now three months into her automotive spray painting apprenticeship with Hervey Bay business David Nash Smash Repairs, Lucy is relishing her role and feeling confident that she has made the right career choice.
BUSY At Work Industry Training Consultant, Lisa Eldridge said while it was not a common sight to see a young female working in the spray painting trade it was great to see Lucy performing well in her chosen career.
“Lucy had previously worked in retail and in real estate but had always been interested in working with cars.”
“She is over the moon to be given this opportunity and we are delighted to have signed her up through BUSY At Work,” Ms Eldridge said.
During the initial stages of her apprenticeship Lucy has been learning how to detail cars, mark out jobs, sand panels and prepare vehicles ready for painting.
“While I am the only girl in the shop, all the staff have been very supportive and friendly.”
“Everyone is a teacher here, not just the spray painters but the panel beaters as well so it’s a great learning environment to work in.”
“My family have also been very supportive of my career change and are keen to see me do well in this industry,” Lucy said.
Lucy believes being a good spray painter is about having good colour vision, a steady hand and an eye for detail.
“I have always had a good eye for colour and detail so I am hoping this will hold me in good stead as I progress through the trade.”
“One day in the future I would like to work at David Nash as one of the head painters but in the meantime I am enjoying learning as much as I can from the tradesmen around me,” Lucy added.
David Nash Smash Repairs Business/HR Manager, Kathy Nash said Lucy had fitted in very well with the team.
“Lucy is always enthusiastic and very reliable. She works very well with the other panel beaters and spray painters in our business and is keen to learn the trade from the ground up.”
“In spray painting quality control is everything and we are confident that Lucy has the right attributes to do well in this trade,” Ms Nash said.
BUSY At Work Managing Director, Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to support local employers who were willing to give people like Lucy an opportunity to work in what was historically a male dominated industry.
“Lucy has shown herself to be very committed and willing to learn. With the right training and mentoring we know she will make a valuable contribution not only to her employer but to the industry as a whole,” Mr Miles said.
