Caitlin Fraser, Technician
Richmond Prestige Smash Repairs, NSW
Caitlin Fraser didn’t take the easy path into the trade. Determined to become a spray painter, she began her apprenticeship in an industrial setting because no smash repair business would take her on as her reproductive organs were on the inside. At 18, she was the only woman in a crew of more than 60 men. It wasn’t the environment she’d imagined, but it was a start.
Six months later, she secured a position with Richmond Prestige Smash Repairs and found the environment where her skills could truly develop.
Now an apprentice refinish technician, Caitlin is involved in all aspects of the paint shop. From prep work and masking through to application and finishing, she has built a reputation for attention to detail and the ability to grasp complex procedures quickly. She also takes on stock control and ordering responsibilities, adding organisation to technical skill.
According to Adam Perram, paint shop manager at Richmond Prestige Smash Repairs, Caitlin has been a godsend for the workshop.
"She is an exceptional employee and constantly demonstrates the faith we have placed in her ability and her excellent eye for detail. Caitlin has the ability to grasp complex application procedures and difficult technical processes producing outstanding work."
What sits behind that performance is resilience.
Caitlin has faced significant personal challenges, including long-term anxiety and the devastating loss of her brother earlier this year. Caitlin says the most enjoyable part of her job is the family aspect as the workshop is a family run business with the close-knit atmosphere that this helps to provide comfort in the workplace: "They are very comfortable people that allow me to be open and honest about difficulties in my personal life and (they) have supported me through recent personal tragedies and suited my workload to what I could manage whist facing my loss,” says Caitlin.
She says that she is constantly learning every day and that she is encouraged to be the best tradesperson that she can be. Through TAFE training and skills learned in the workplace Caitin is hoping to get other women involved in the trade and to open people’s minds to career opportunities they had never thought of.
As well as her TAFE apprenticeship Caitlin has undertaken numerous paint manufacturer training courses (PPG, AXALTA & 3M) to help improve and develop her skills. Caitlin has also attended the Paint and Panel Body Shop Awards and Women in Collision Industry Awards to meet inspirational people from our industry and to learn new approaches to the trade.
Caitlin is very keen to use her life and work experiences to help other women to overcome difficulties and to show that no matter how dark things seem there is always a way forward. Caitlin has used her personal experiences to mentor high school students attending TAFE to help them develop a purpose in life and to re-engage in the school community by encouraging them to develop skills through trade training and the opportunities it provides, as Caitlin says, “skills change lives”.