How I Became - a Mechanic.
How I Became - a mechanic w/
Melissa Hannan.
Welcome to the ‘How I Became’ series where Billie talks to girls across New Zealand who are killing it in their chosen career and see how they got there!
Trying to decide what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ is hard enough as it is and your careers counsellor probably won’t have all the answers you need.
HIB aims to give you a bit of insight into different career paths and what it takes to get there.
Name: Melissa Hannan
Age: 34
Job title: Automotive Mechanic
Current job: Mechanic at HVS and I run Girls N Gasoline
Firstly, what drew you to your line of work?
When I was growing up, I always had a passion for vehicles. I’m unsure where that passion came from, as I did not come from an automotive background. I was never one to sit still and enjoyed keeping active, so I decided a physical job is what I wanted, so I decided to give an automotive class at school a go. I had a group of mates into vehicles and thought it would be pretty cool if I had the knowledge to work on my own vehicle.
What subjects did you take in high school that you think helped?
At school I was lucky enough to have an Automotive class. That was for sure my stepping stone into the industry.
I also went out to do work experience once a week at a workshop. This helped make sure this was a trade I wanted to pursue, before going to study or straight out into the working world.
What did your pathway towards starting your career look like?
On my 2nd to last year at school, I went to a workshop one day a week for the year for work experience. At the end of that year I was offered an apprenticeship there.
At 16, I left school and started my apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic. That was 18 years ago now!
What did you study/where/how long did it take?
With an apprenticeship, I was able to work and study at the same time. I would work 8-5 Monday-Friday and do my paperwork at nights and on weekends.
I had so many practical jobs I had to complete in the workshop and so much study I had to complete after work hours. This went on for about 6 years until I was fully qualified. I then went on to study to get my WOF licence.
All my training and study was at the workshop, which was a great way to earn a wage while I was learning.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the accomplishment when you can figure out and fix a certain problem. Or having the knowledge to help someone out if they have broken down.
I love puzzles and problem solving so when a vehicle comes in with an issue and I diagnose and fix it, it's a great feeling of accomplishment. I also love having the ability and knowledge to help others out on their vehicles in times of need.
What’s the hardest part?
The physical part is for sure the hardest. I definitely don't have the same strength as a male and struggle sometimes. Most of the time you can use a bigger power bar, or hammer, but sometimes I will need a hand to lift.
We are lucky to have a lot of equipment and tools that help when you don't have the strength though.
What surprised you most about your job once you started working?
Just how many tools a mechanic needs! Haha. When you are working on a variety of vehicles, so many have specific tools you need for that make of vehicle. 16 years later I still find myself buying new tools.
I hate to think how much I've spent on them. But also tool shopping starts to become a bit of an addiction, and for me, it's just as exciting as shopping for clothes or shoes.
What does an average day look like for you?
I attend the gym before work to help start my day and keep my strength up. I work 8-5 with an amazing team.
Every day is different. Some days I fill my day with WOFs and services, others I can be diagnosing knocks and rattles, replacing cambelts, alternators or figuring out why a vehicle isn't running properly. No two days are the same and that's what I enjoy.
What advice would you give to those looking to follow a similar career path?
If you have a passion and a dream - follow it! If someone tells you that you can't do it, tell them 'watch me'. Use any negative comments to push you even harder. The first few years are hard, there are times i've wanted to quit, but if you keep pushing you won't regret it. Nothing feels better than doing something people think you couldn't! Block out negative comments, and focus on all the positives.
What are the biggest challenges in your opinion to getting into being a mechanic?
It's for sure being a female getting into what is classed a 'male industry'. It took me years, and I have to continue to prove myself to certain people. You still sometimes get weird looks getting parts or from some customers, but it's starting to become a bit more normal.
It will be great when there is a time that it's not weird or different to see a female in a mechanic shop.
What kind of skills does your job require?
Attention to detail is important.
Problem solving, when something needs to come apart and go back together, or trying to figure out an issue.
Knowing how all the components on a vehicle work and understanding so when you are repairing something it is done right.
What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Here I'm referencing my own business Girls N Gasoline - I get to teach women of all ages how to take care of their vehicle.
Giving women the confidence to get under their bonnet, change their wiper blades or even wheels. Seeing women leave my classes feeling empowered and motivated to get involved. It really has a special place in my heart.
Some of us don't have the help to be taught this, and doing it in a fun, safe environment I absolutely love. I get to share my passion and knowledge with women around, and finish each class smiling.
What has been an absolute highlight of your career?
Believing myself and my worth and starting my own side hustle has been an absolute highlight. The support from everyone around me, the females I teach and hearing all the amazing feedback has been a huge highlight. It's been tough starting something new, but seeing a vision unfold is what keeps me smiling.
What’s an unexpected element to your job that people don’t realise you have to do?
Cars are forever changing so I feel like I'm forever learning. When I started out I was playing around with points and condensers, you don't see that a lot now. We work alot with computers and diagnostic equipment. We have electric and hybrid cars which I never saw when I first started out.
Describe your job in three words
Physical, rewarding, and hard-working.
Follow Melissa and Girls N Gasoline on Instagram here.
