mycar Tyre & Auto apprentice Edie Thurtell’s rise to Australia’s WorldSkills team highlights the importance of investing in the technicians who will keep the country’s fleets moving.
The 21-year-old earned her place at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 after winning gold at the 2025 National Competition, representing New South Wales and mycar. She followed that achievement with gold in Automotive Technology at the 2026 Global Skills Challenge, where she also secured the prestigious “Best in Nation” title.
Her achievements come as Australia’s automotive industry faces a projected shortage of qualified technicians, putting apprentice recruitment, training and retention firmly on the agenda for maintenance providers.
For fleet managers, the development of workshop talent has practical implications. Access to skilled technicians supports reliable servicing, accurate diagnosis and timely repairs—all essential to managing vehicle downtime.
An unexpected start in the workshop
Thurtell’s automotive career began with an interest sparked by her partner and a question posted on a local Facebook page.
“I discovered mechanics through my partner, Tyler, who has a passion for cars,” she said.
“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.”
Now, she hopes her success will encourage other young people, particularly women, to consider an automotive trade.
“Automotive repair is often portrayed as a male industry, and that scares off a lot of women who want to pursue it,” Thurtell said.
“I’m hoping putting myself out there and giving things like WorldSkills a go will inspire more women to get into the industry.”
Building the next generation of technicians
mycar says its apprenticeship program is a critical part of its long-term workforce strategy, with targeted initiatives aimed at improving apprentice engagement, development and retention.
The program combines technical training, mentoring and ongoing support, while opportunities such as WorldSkills allow apprentices to build confidence and test their capabilities beyond their everyday workshop duties.
Fiona Murphy, Chief People Officer at mycar Tyre & Auto, said Thurtell’s achievements demonstrate the value of supporting emerging talent.
“Edie’s success is a testament to her talent, determination and commitment to continuous learning,” Murphy said.
“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.”
Why it matters to fleets
Apprenticeship investment is part of building the maintenance capacity fleets will need in the years ahead.
As vehicle technology evolves, workshop teams need opportunities to develop their diagnostic and repair skills. Attracting a broader range of people into the trade can also help expand the industry’s future workforce.
Thurtell’s progression from a local apprenticeship opportunity to international competition provides a visible example of where an automotive career can lead—and why developing that talent matters to the businesses relying on vehicles every day.
