Challenging gender norms: How energetic apprentice overcame stereotype
One aspiring female mechanic was told “cars are for boys” and to consider hairdressing or nursing. Now she’s excelling in her dream career.
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Nothing charges Bo Dangerfield’s battery quite like the sound of a classic car.
The 16-year-old first developed a passion for motors when she watched the Disney-Pixar movie Cars at a young age.
As she grew, so did her passion for cars, but she recalls being told “cars were for boys” and a career in hairdressing or nursing was more suitable for women.
“When I matured, I realised none of this was the case, and I just thought ‘this is my passion, so I’m going to go for it’ and I’m so glad I did,” Ms Dangerfield said.
“My advice to young women wanting to pursue a trade would be to ignore people who say you can’t do what you love, because if you love something, you should pursue it.”
The comments didn’t discourage the now 16-year-old from pursuing her dream career, and she is now an apprentice mechanic employed by Toowoomba Automotive.
Ms Dangerfield said her male colleagues had been very welcoming and she quickly made strong friendships at work.
The energetic automotive technician said she was excited to see more women joining the workshop team, after her boss recently signed on an additional two female apprentices.
Set to graduate with her high school certificate at the end of the year, Ms Dangerfield is enrolled at the Australian Industry Trade College and is excelling in many ways.
The high achiever has maintained high grades particularly in maths and English and was appointed a student leader at AITC.
When she completes her apprenticeship, Ms Dangerfield plans to stay in Toowoomba and hopes to one day buy her dream car – a 1970 Plymouth Superbird.
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