Thanks to Women in Collision (WIC) sponsors Parts Check who have been out of the road encouraging businesses to nominate for this year's Women in Collision Awards and to attend the WIC seminar and awards presentation in February.
Nicole Jarrett - Ray Zahl Auto Refinishers, Moorooka, Queensland
How long have you been in the industry?
I graduated school in 1999 and then I started working in the industry in 2000.
What made you join the industry?
Ray Zahl was my neighbour, and my parents told Ray that I needed a job – did a two-week trial and never left. Paul was my second in charge when I started. Later on, Paul and I took over the business when Ray retired in 2008. Since we started running the business, we have been working six days a week, having Christmas as our only time off for the year.
What do you like most about the industry?
I have always wanted to be a mechanic, but this was the first opportunity when I finished school. It gave me a pathway to becoming a spray painter, and here I am twenty-one years after.
What advice would you have for a young woman wanting to join /start off in the industry?
If you are passionate and enthusiastic about the industry, do it. The reality of the automotive industry challenges you along the way, and it's for thick-skinned and not for the faint-hearted.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I love to spend time with my wife and two daughters. We go camping and enjoy the outdoors.
What is your favourite car?
Mitsubishi Triton because that is my daily work car.