Award recognition follows Nicola’s drive to keep learning

26-year-old Nicola Todd recently completed her Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville Trade Training Centre (Bohle) campus through an apprenticeship with Penske Australia and New Zealand.

Now a qualified heavy commercial vehicle mechanic, Nicola has been named a finalist for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards North Region, recognising her skill, commitment and leadership in the heavy vehicle industry.

Her pathway to the workshop has been anything but ordinary. Nicola first completed a Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) through a school-based apprenticeship, becoming a qualified hairdresser at 19, before moving into automotive and completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620).

She then continued into heavy commercial vehicles, building a trade career shaped by practical skill, persistence and a willingness to keep learning.

“I didn’t exactly choose an easy path into the automotive industry, but I’m extremely happy with where I am now,” Nicola said. “I chose to keep challenging myself and continue stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Now working as a diesel technician with Penske Australia and New Zealand in Townsville, Nicola has gained experience across on-highway and off-highway equipment, including complex diagnostics, transmission and transfer case rebuilds, and heavy vehicle systems.

Nicola continues to draw on skills from her light vehicle trade, including her HVAC licence, while her work with Penske has also supported her to obtain a heavy rigid truck licence and further broaden her capability in the heavy vehicle industry.

“One of the things I’ve really appreciated about completing my apprenticeship with Penske is the variety of work I’ve been exposed to,” Nicola said. “It has challenged me every day and allowed me to build a much broader skill set.”

Nicola said each trade has reinforced how much she enjoys practical, hands-on work and the constant problem-solving that comes with the automotive industry.

“Every day is different in the automotive industry,” Nicola said. “One day you might be diagnosing a fault, the next you are rebuilding components or learning about new technology. I really enjoy that variety.”

Nicola is proud to see more women entering automotive and heavy vehicle trades.

“When I first started attending TAFE classes, I was often the only female in the room,” Nicola said. “Over time, I’ve started to see more young women coming through, and I think that’s really cool.

“It’s important for young women to see trades as a genuine career option. Trades are not about gender. They are about attitude, willingness to learn and work ethic.”

Outside of work and study, Nicola continues to contribute to her community as a volunteer rural firefighter and coach of Townsville Grammar School’s under 18 netball team. She said leadership, teamwork and mentoring had become important parts of who she is, both inside and outside the workshop.

Looking ahead, Nicola plans to keep building her career in the heavy vehicle industry and continue developing as a highly skilled technician. She is also considering completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) so she can one day help teach the next generation of apprentices.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from experienced tradespeople, OEM trainers and amazing TAFE teachers throughout my apprenticeships,” she said. “I’d really like the opportunity to pass that knowledge on. Helping others build their confidence and develop their skills would be incredibly rewarding.”

For Nicola, completing her heavy vehicle qualification is another step in a career built on persistence, curiosity and the courage to keep trying something new.