WOMEN IN TRUCKING: EMMA NEWELL-COURTNEY

Emma Newell-Courtney is a proud Kamilaroi and Bigambul woman, a young parent of three, a qualified heavy diesel mechanic with multiple certs, and a Snap-on Tools franchisee. Emma was a heavy diesel fitter for 10 years, working on everything from small engines to heavy earth moving equipment with a focus on hydraulics. “I have always had a passion for trucks and hands on work. Dad didn't have any sons but I was fascinated by that world, so I stuck with Dad and my Grandfather.” Her interest in engineering and mechanics led Emma to completing a certificate three in heavy commercial mechanical techniques, and a certificate four in mechanical engineering diesel fitting.

A PASSION FOR ENGINES

As a heavy diesel mechanic, she’s met many challenges head-on but also added the responsibility of young children to the mix. “I was 36 weeks pregnant in my final role and still on the tools,” Emma reflected. “It was challenging, not only being a woman in male dominated industry but experiencing things as a pregnant parent too. “Other mechanics had children of course, but not from my perspective, so there were some major differences to my experience.” Emma's passion propelled her forward as a heavy diesel mechanic which helped her stay the course when adversity arose.

“You tend to face adversity if you are a person of difference in a workplace that has a particular idea of what employees exist there. “Anybody of difference can have those challenges, not only women in trucking. I think it's all how you perceive adversity and how you interpret feedback you're getting. “I try to take an understanding on why I received that feedback.”

NEW BEGINNINGS

After some consideration, Emma eventually moved into becoming a Snap-on franchisee. Being her own boss allowed her to opportunity to have more agency over her day and have more time for her kids. “I was close to having been in the trade for a decade, but I was also ready for a change. “It (the franchisee opportunity) was in the area that my kids go to school, so it was a no-brainer.” Snap-on is a high-end tools and diagnostic manufacturer that supplies businesses and individuals all their mechanic needs. As a Snap-on franchisee Emma travels her territory in her 2020 FRR 107-210 Isuzu dubbed ‘Suzie-Q’ who is a personality in her own right.

“Aside from the fact I get to work with Snap-on products all day, my favourite part of the job is my customers. They make the business what it is and there is always time for banter and a laugh. “It feels like I'm back in the workshop again!”

SPOT-ON RECS FOR SNAP-ON

With her industry know-how Emma can make those on-the-spot recommendations for her client base. “They can ring me up and let me know the job and I help them out as my clients have a diverse range of needs for their tools and diagnostics. It's been awesome to be able to use skills that I developed over nearly a decade in the industry. “I get to help people out and get them their tooling needs and provide that service.”

YOUNG BLOOD IN A CHANGING INDUSTRY

Emma is no stranger to mentoring young people entering the automotive industry. She mentors five young women navigating a changing industry. “My biggest point of advice is do your research and reach out to women as well as other people in the industry. “For women and girls wanting to enter the industry it's so important to reach out to other women and make sure you get first-hand knowledge, in-person rather than general research online.

“Getting out and talking to people goes hand in hand with really wanting to begin those apprenticeships so don't go into it on a whim. Because you need the pros, the cons, the ups and downs of the industry before going into it. “It's not just women who need that equity because there's plenty of people of difference in the industry. That goes for gender, how you identify, your skin colour and your culture. “To me what has always been most important is doing what I love, being on the tools and working with trucks.”