Apprentice Edie Thurtell to represent Australia at Worlds

mycar apprentice Edie Thurtell will represent Australia in Automotive Technology at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 after winning national and international skills titles.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Australia's most successful young automotive technicians, taking gold at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships and the Global Skills Challenge. She also received the "Best in Nation" title, confirming her as the country's top competitor in her field ahead of the international contest.

Thurtell's rise comes as Australia's automotive sector faces a shortage of qualified technicians, increasing focus on apprenticeship pathways and retention across the industry. Employers are trying to attract younger workers into workshops while broadening the pool of candidates entering the trade.

mycar, one of the country's larger automotive service employers, says its apprenticeship programme is part of its long-term workforce planning. It has introduced initiatives focused on apprentice engagement, development and retention to strengthen entry routes into the sector.

For Thurtell, the route into the trade began informally rather than as a planned career path. She said she became interested in mechanics through her partner's passion for cars, then looked for apprenticeship openings through a local social media post.

"I discovered mechanics through my partner, Tyler, who has a passion for cars. From there, I posted on a local Facebook page asking which trades were looking for new apprentices. A mycar employee replied, and I decided to give it a go. It's been the best decision I've made so far," said Edie Thurtell, Apprentice Automotive Technician at mycar.

Her story offers a snapshot of how some young workers still enter technical trades through informal networks and personal contacts rather than structured school-to-work channels. That matters in an industry that has sometimes struggled to present automotive repair as an attractive career option for school leavers.

Industry access

Gender imbalance remains another challenge in automotive repair, where women continue to be underrepresented in workshop roles. Thurtell said public perceptions of the profession can discourage potential entrants before they have a chance to see whether the work suits them.

"Automotive repair is often portrayed as a male industry, and that scares off a lot of women who want to pursue it. I'm hoping putting myself out there and giving things like WorldSkills a go will inspire more women to get into the industry," she said.

Her profile is likely to draw attention not only because of the medals she has won, but also because employers and industry groups have increasingly highlighted the need to expand participation beyond traditional recruitment patterns. Apprenticeships have become central to that conversation, particularly in trades where practical training and early workplace experience are essential.

mycar operates more than 280 locations across Australia, alongside a mobile van network, and employs more than 1,600 staff. That footprint gives it a significant role in training and hiring within the repair and servicing market, where technicians work across routine maintenance, tyres, brakes, suspension, batteries and general mechanical repairs.

Fiona Murphy, Chief People Officer at mycar, linked Thurtell's competition record to the company's broader apprenticeship efforts. She said the technician's progress showed the value of supporting young workers through formal training and workplace support.

"Edie's success is a testament to her talent, determination and commitment to continuous learning. We are incredibly proud to support her as she prepares to represent Australia at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026," said Fiona Murphy, Chief People Officer at mycar.

Murphy also highlighted the structure of the company's programme, which combines technical training with mentoring and workplace support. Across the sector, employers have increasingly framed those elements as necessary if apprentices are to remain in the trade long enough to qualify and build lasting careers.

"At mycar, we're committed to developing the next generation of automotive professionals through a structured apprenticeship program that combines technical training, mentoring and ongoing support. Our apprentices are critical to the future of both our business and the broader automotive industry, and Edie's achievements demonstrate what can be achieved when talented young people are given the opportunity to thrive," she said.

Thurtell's results place her among a small group of apprentices who have moved from workplace training into elite skills competition, giving her a national profile at a time when the industry is looking for examples that may help attract the next intake of technicians.