For Armidale local Belinda Broon afternoons spent tinkering on cars in the shed with her brother as a kid have paid off.
Now a third year apprentice mechanic at Hardman Honda, Belinda is currently placed second nationally and first in NSW in Honda Australia’s Apprentice of the Year competition. She will head down to Melbourne later this month for the final test before boarding a plane with the other top five apprentices and top three Service Managers for a whirlwind tour of Honda International’s Thailand plants.
For Belinda being a female in a male dominated industry has never been an issue, she has always let her hands do the talking stepping up and never letting anyone give a reason to doubt her ability.
“My brother is a diesel fitter and has always had old Holden utes and re-built engines in the shed and I was always over there cleaning parts and helping him out, I just loved it,” said Belinda.
Born and bred in Armidale Belinda attended Duval High School and completed the Automotive TVET course in year 11 and 12 which she credits for the smooth transition into her apprenticeship.
“It really helped me to get into an apprenticeship and I had decided from year 10 that I wanted to be a mechanic,” said Belinda.
“I really enjoy working at Hardman’s and all the boys are always there to help you, no question is a stupid question.
“Being a female in an all male environment in the workshop hasn’t been too bad, I guess I have always been around my brother and his friends a bit so I am quite used to being around guys and I fitted in easily.”
Belinda’s boss Service Manager David Crosby will head to Thailand with her as one of the top three Honda Service Managers, and both are looking forward to the experience.
“It should be great, and our first look inside a factory,” said David.
“I really get to go because of the terrific work that Belinda has done but I like to think I have helped Belinda get there, especially with her on the job training.
“Belinda has shown repeatedly that she can do this job as good as anyone, she is very competent and knowledgeable and very hard working which even her trainers in Honda recognise and call me up about.”
Belinda will travel down to Melbourne on October 25 to complete her final exams before flying out to Bangkok for the week-long tour.
