Nicola's paving the way for women in trades

Townsville’s Nicola Todd has taken out the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards, recognising her outstanding commitment to her trade and to leading the way for other young women in her field.

Having recently completed her heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeship with Penske Australia, Nicola has built an impressive career across three trades and is passionate about encouraging more women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Nicola’s pathway into heavy vehicle mechanics has been anything but traditional.

Her trade journey began at 15 when she started a school-based hairdressing apprenticeship, balancing school with 25 hours of work each week but her passion for mechanics led her to pursue a second trade as a Light Vehicle Mechanic.

Keen to advance her career, Nicola took on her third trade, completing a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology through TAFE Queensland in June 2026.

At 27, she is currently the only technician in her workshop with an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) licence and has represented Penske Australia at training programs across Queensland.

Nicola’s training has strengthened her expertise in heavy vehicle systems and industry-specific technologies, with particular strengths in electrical and diagnostic work. Her experience across multiple trades has also positioned her as a mentor to other apprentices, in particular other young women, providing support and sharing her practical knowledge across light and heavy vehicle mechanics.

Beyond the workshop, Nicola volunteers as a rural firefighter, using her mechanical knowledge to support fire truck operations, water pump systems and emergency response.

Nicola said winning the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Award was a huge moment for her.

“It's a pretty surreal feeling, I definitely didn't expect to win this award. I'm truly honoured just to be here tonight, so to walk away with a win was incredibly special,” Nicola said.

“It's really nice to get the recognition that all the hard work and dedication to an apprenticeship has paid off.

“I have three trades, I am a qualified hairdresser, qualified light vehicle mechanic and now a qualified heavy vehicle mechanic.

“I enjoyed school but was always a hands-on person. Hairdressing seemed like a safe choice leaving high school, but I always had an interest in cars. My Granddad was actually a mechanic himself and my Dad always tinkered on cars.

“After getting my first car, I kind of got sick of asking people for help and decided that I would go and get a trade in the light vehicle industry.

“When I finished that trade, I decided that I wanted to continue to challenge myself, and the heavy vehicle industry is such a wide career path and so many different career progressions that you can do, so I decided to take the leap and start all over again and go into heavy vehicle.

“I think that women should definitely consider a career in the trades. I don't think that they need to be scared or worried about it.

“I think that if you rock up and have good work ethic and good skills and you have a really strong willingness to learn, then you'll do fine in a male-dominated industry or in a trade industry.”

Nicola will now progress to the Australian Training Awards to be held in Sydney on 20 November 2026.

Learn more about Queensland Training Awards.