After an unconventional path into automotive, including a stint in hospitality and cleaning rental vehicles at the airport, Claire found her way to autoglass almost by accident, and it has become the best career decision she has made. Here, Claire shares what a day in the workshop looks like, the advice that has shaped her career and what she would tell any woman considering a future in automotive.
Tell us about your role and what actually happens in your workshop day to day?
My role as workshop supervisor is to lead and support my team of technicians alongside the branch manager. This includes training and assisting both new trainees and more experienced technicians, ensuring correct process is followed, my team has the tools they need, and making sure jobs are completed to a high standard and in a safe manner.
As a qualified technician I also fit jobs alongside my team, primarily recalibrating the windscreen-mounted safety systems that are found on most newer cars. These cameras are a big part of the work we do, as they require recalibration after a windscreen replacement to ensure they operate accurately and keep our customers safe on the road.
Day to day we average around forty-five jobs between our in-branch team and mobile technicians, and this can be any mix of chip repairs, body glass, windscreen replacements and recalibrations. There’s always more to learn, and my job is to support my branch in continuing to learn and improve so they can be confident and proud of the work they do every day.
What made you jump into automotive?
I’ve always had an interest in automotive and been inclined towards physical hands-on work. Being originally from a smaller town there were limited opportunities to pursue automotive which meant I went into hospitality instead.
After finishing high school and moving up to Perth I started cleaning rental vehicles at the airport which reignited my drive to work on cars. I started applying for the usual mechanic and auto electrician apprenticeships with no luck. Then I came across the listing for O’Brien and was intrigued as autoglass is not something most people, including myself, really think about until they have a broken windscreen. I decided to give it a go and it has turned out to be the best career decision I’ve made.
What’s the hardest technical skill to master, the one that separates a good tech from a great one?
The skill that separates good from great is the ability to keep an open mind and continue to learn even once they are an experienced technician. As new cars and new people come through the business we are always learning. As a workshop supervisor there is always more to learn, even from new technicians that I have trained.
What’s a moment on the job that has really stuck with you?
The biggest moment so far would be when I competed in the Best of Australia competition last year and won best chip repair. Definitely a proud moment being able to show my work and dedication representing WA even though I didn’t quite take out the top spot.
What do you enjoy most about the trade, is there anything that still surprises you?
The variety of cars and jobs is one of the best things, getting to work on anything from old classics to new high end luxury cars and everything in between. No two days are the same, there’s always something new to look at and learn. Some of the things people fit to their cars still raise an eyebrow here and there, a couple of years ago I had an old 1980s jeep that had the interior door handles replaced with regular household door handles and the interior panels replaced with plywood which was quite an interesting choice, but it all worked.
Automotive is traditionally male-dominated; what has that been like day to day?
Honestly working at O’Brien’s has never felt any different to any other job, I’ve always felt like a part of the team and I’ve never been looked at like I can’t do the work or felt like I’ve been discounted or underestimated for being female by anyone at O’Brien’s. I have had some interesting interactions with customers where a customer has been unsure of me doing the work but they’ve been pretty easy to deal with, especially with my team backing me up.
What would you want a woman considering this career to know before she applies?
Take the leap, don’t be scared of starting something new and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. The support and training I’ve had here at O’Brien has been second to none. It is hard work for sure but it’s so rewarding to look back at the end of a job and see the difference you’ve made. There is so much opportunity to move and progress if you put in the time and work, we’re just as capable as anyone else.
Have you had a moment where you felt underestimated and how did you handle it?
There have been a handful of times when I’ve had customers that have asked for a man to look at their vehicle thinking I wasn’t competent. I don’t go down to their level; I just calmly state I am the lead technician. Staying calm and professional is the best way to handle it; it makes them feel a bit embarrassed and shuts them down then and there.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received, and who gave it to you?
I’ve been given so much great advice from so many people. One that has stuck with me is my branch manager telling me during my first week to be a sponge, and absorb and learn everything I possibly can.