Women in trucking: Molly Macalino, Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, North East Isuzu

Traditional divides between 'jobs for men’ and ‘jobs for women’ in the automotive industry are slowly but surely disappearing into the rear-view mirror—to the benefit of all involved.

Molly Macalino is one young South Australian who is bridging the gap in what has historically been a male-dominated sector, as an apprentice diesel mechanic and service technician at North East Isuzu.

While still new to the gig, it seems that Molly was born with engine grease on her fingers and a can-do attitude that is taking her far in her chosen career path. She grew up in a family with a strong mechanical grounding and was inspired to join the ranks after she saw a display from North East Isuzu at a local career exhibition.

We hope that stories like Molly’s can provide valuable insight to young women and young people looking at joining the industry and encourage discussion about Australia’s current shortage of skilled workers in the automotive industry.

Hi Molly, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. How long have you been an apprentice mechanic and service technician with North East Isuzu?

I've been here at North East for six months now. I started off my apprenticeship in parts and delivery and worked my way over into pre-deliveries. Pre-delivery is where servicing for newly delivered trucks is done, checking that everything is ready to go before heading off to the customer.

Next, I am planning to head to pits and repairs. 

Tell us a bit about your background and how it led you into the world of trucks.

I feel like I have always been around engines because my dad was a mechanic for 35 years until he retired. I look back and remember that I grew up watching my dad do all this stuff and I was fascinated by it.

I've always known I wanted to become a mechanic and my brother is a mechanic, too.

In ninth grade, I went to a career expo and saw the North East Isuzu stand, so I handed in my resume to the team member who was working there. A couple of months later, I got the call asking if I wanted to come in for an interview. I said yes, of course!

Have there been any roadblocks to navigate in your career so far?

My family has been really supportive of me pursuing my diesel mechanic apprenticeship and at work, I feel like the team have my back—they're really good with that.

I have come across people who don't think young women belong in the industry, but I keep my head down and focus on my goals and what I am doing. I am more focused on my apprenticeship than on any drama.

Molly with Group General Manager of North East Isuzu Michelle Papalia (left) 

Do you have any plans on where you want this journey to take you?

I'm really looking forward to finishing my four-year apprenticeship because then I will be qualified to work on the big rigs.

I really enjoy doing hands-on work and I love the teamwork that is involved in servicing trucks. I love my team; they're a big reason why I come to work every day and we get along really well.

I'd prefer to stay on the tools—it’s where I’m happy—but I can't wait to see where else this job can take me.

What advice would you give to young women and young people who are thinking about entering the industry?

If you are thinking about becoming a diesel mechanic, I say to anyone, give it a go.

I thought it would be fun to learn to be a diesel mechanic, so I decided to have a shot. I thought that if I didn't like it, I could look at exploring something else. However, it turns out that I love it!

You can always get out of something if you don't end up liking it and you can always choose a different career.

It doesn't matter what gender you are, you can do any job that you are interested in, so don't let others hold you back.

Thank you, Molly!

Are you thinking of an apprenticeship in the trucking and transport sector? Take a look at how the Patterson Cheney Apprentice Academy is boosting the careers and aspirations of new technicians.