Page 42 - Australian Paint & Panel Magazine May-June 2019

42
People Matter
PAINT&PANEL MAY / JUNE 2019
TRUDY CAMILLERI IS PASSING ON HER KNOWLEDGE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF PANELBEATERS AT TAFE NSW.
FOOTY PLAYER
KICKING GOALS
AT TAFE
ORMER W-LEAGUE FOOTBALL-
er, Trudy Camilleri who last
played for Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers during a sev- en-year career has turned her love of cars into a career. Camilleri is now pass- ing her skills to the next generation of auto body repairers as a teacher at TAFE
NSW Ultimo.
While still at school, Camilleri start-
ed to develop her automotive skills working part-time in the family car res- toration business. Camilleri planned to be a car engine builder once she had left school, but as the business needed an auto body repair technician this is the road she took.
Camilleri has been surrounded by cars her whole life. It was very normal for her to be in the shed helping and working on cars after school, and on the weekend with her father. As soon as Camilleri turned 15, she secured two part-time jobs whilst juggling school and playing professional football for the Central Coast Mariners. It was when Camilleri was in year 10, that she se- cured an apprenticeship as a panel beat- er and commenced studying at TAFE NSW Campbelltown under the guidance of her teacher, Frank Goodlad.
“I really enjoyed the learning environ- ment at TAFE NSW, and was amazed how well I took to the experience com- pared to school. It was most likely be- cause I was doing something I really be- lieved I was meant to do. With my Dad
as a mentor and a best friend, he taught me everything I know about cars today. At that time, I had a more mature head than you might expect from someone in their mid-twenties.
“I had a little bit of direction in terms of the path I wanted to go down, but hadn’t really decided on anything con- crete. I just knew it had to involve cars.”
After a few family matters, and com- pleting a Certificate II in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology, Camilleri decided she wanted more of a challenge, so reached out to TAFE NSW to see what automotive teaching posi- tions may be available. The stars aligned
as Camilleri secured an auto body teach- ing role at TAFE NSW Ultimo, which is where she focuses her energy and pas- sion today.
When not teaching, Camilleri is re- storing cars and completing her Certif- icate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology at TAFE NSW Campbell- town. Some of the projects Camilleri is currently working on includes a HK Holden Kingswood, her Holden FE Panel Van and 2009 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle.
Over the next three years to 2022, the Commonwealth Government fore- casts an extra 100,0001 jobs for Aus- tralia’s automotive industry. The pre- diction reveals a lack of skilled workers which will drive demand for occupa- tions including motor vehicle and parts salespeople, motor mechanics, vehicle parts and accessories fitters, panel beaters, vehicle painters, vehicle body builders and trimmers and auto- motive electricians.
TAFE NSW Ultimo Autobody Repair and Finish head teacher Garry Clear said that since joining the TAFE NSW Ultimo teaching section Camilleri has found the experience interesting and challenging.
“Camilleri has gained the respect of students and just goes from strength to strength. She has all the skills, de- termination, and is focused on the fu- ture. Camilleri has something special. She is full of confidence, passionate about cars and teaching the techni- cians of tomorrow.”
F
When she isn't teaching, Camilleri enjoys restoring cars.