30 September 2021 

With the help of TAFE NSW, Cobar mechanical apprentice Amber Byrne recently stepped out of her comfort zone and learnt how to operate the equipment she’ll be working on.  

Amber, 19, is studying a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and plans to add heavy diesel qualifications later in her apprenticeship.  

So, she jumped at the opportunity to complete a Statement of Attainment in Loader and Excavator Operations when it was offered at the Cobar campus.  

Employed at her father's Superior Diesel Solutions business, Amber has grown up around vehicles and mechanical repairs. She became interested in doing an apprenticeship when she purchased her own vehicle and wanted to learn how she could make it stand out.  

As well as working on light vehicles, repairing and maintaining civil construction and agricultural equipment will be an important part of her future work.  

“When I saw TAFE NSW was offering a course in operating excavators and loaders, I knew that if I learnt to operate the equipment in a practical setting, it would help me be a better mechanic when working on those machines,” Amber said.  

Cobar TAFE NSW Services Coordinator Claudine Griffiths said it was encouraging to see a woman doing the Statement of Attainment as men are more likely to operate heavy plant and mining equipment. 

“Amber was nervous at the beginning of the course, but she gained confidence and is now keen to pick up more skills.” 

Amber isn’t concerned about being a woman in a male-dominated industry and knows she will find plenty of work on both vehicles and agricultural equipment as there is a high demand for mechanics. 

“I would especially encourage other women to consider this as a possible career,” she said. 

To learn more about civil construction, mechanical and other courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au. 

Media contact: Jenny Tinworth, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, phone 0411 443 555.