When Bessie McKay left school after Year 10, she wasn’t entirely sure what her future would look like but she knew it wouldn’t be behind a desk. What she didn’t know then was that her decision to follow a hands‑on career would lead to an award‑winning start in the automotive industry.
Bessie, now 18, is an apprentice with Co‑Op Toyota and recently took home Learning Partners and Work & Training’s First Year Apprentice of the Year award. It’s a moment she still describes as “shocking and nerve‑racking,” but mostly rewarding. “It was nice to know all my hard work had actually paid off,” she said.
Her interest in cars began at home, working with her dad on an old vehicle he’d brought back to life. That small project sparked something, “I realised I quite liked figuring out how things work,” she said. Before that, she’d spent her childhood around her dad’s timber business, watching machinery and trucks at work, the kind of early fascination that eventually pointed her toward a trade.
Starting an apprenticeship at 16 is daunting for anyone, but stepping into a workshop full of older men added an extra layer, “Some days it is quite challenging,” Bessie said. “Being young, being female, there’s a lot to get used to but the boys are really helpful and supportive,” she said.
What keeps her going is the work. “Rebuilding engines is probably my favourite part, taking something apart and making it work again. It’s fascinating.”
Bessie’s ambitions don’t stop at completing her apprenticeship. She’s already thinking bigger.
“I’d love to move into a leadership role, maybe become a foreman or workshop controller or even start my own business one day. I want to show other women that they can do this too,” she said.
When asked what she’d tell young women considering a trade, she doesn’t hesitate, “It’s a good thing to do. It’s going to be hard, but it’s worth it. People will tell you that you can’t but that just gives me motivation to prove them wrong.”
Bessie credits Work & Training for helping her settle into industry life, saying she’s always felt comfortable reaching out for support, “I feel like they actually listen and want to help with whatever challenges you’re facing,” she said.
She’s currently supported by Work & Training Apprentice and Employment Consultant Casey Reynolds, who says Bessie’s progress has been easy to spot.
“Bessie shows up, works hard and genuinely wants to learn that’s what sets her apart. She’s grown a lot in confidence and skill, and she’s only just getting started,” Casey said.
With two years of experience already under her belt and a major award recognising her efforts, Bessie is well on her way to a long career in automotive. Starting young has been an advantage she’s grateful for.
“I’m glad I began when I did. By the time I qualify, I’ll still be young but I’ll have years of experience behind me.”