Graduating a year early from school, panel beating apprentice, Jackie Venn is one determined 16-year-old.
Determined to forge her own path, 16-year-old Jackie Venn is fast tracking her way to her dream career.
Born and raised in Canberra, Jackie is currently 15 months into her apprenticeship at Northside Panel and Paint.
During her Year 10 schooling, Jackie was introduced to the industry at school when a position to undertake an ASBA apprenticeship as a mechanic was made available.
“I was interested in the apprenticeship as soon as I found out about it at school,” Jackie says.
“While I was away at camp, my mum contacted my now boss and asked about the paperwork and what the work experience would entail.”
A few days later, Jackie had secured a week long work experience at Northside Panel and Paint.
“I fell in love with it,” Jackie says.
“The people, the place, and the cars made me feel at peace, and two weeks later there I was signing a contract for a job that I never knew would become permanent.”
“It became such an important moment in my life that I would never change.”
From what started as a mechanic apprenticeship, Jackie enjoyed the panel beating side and asked to switch apprenticeship titles.
“My love for cars had a big Impact and effect on this decision of being a panel beater,” Jackie says.
“From doing work experience for a week I realised that’s where I wanted to be.”
Becoming a school aged apprentice was never something Jackie had aspired to be.
“When I was younger, I never saw myself doing an apprenticeship, it was never something I had thought of doing when I looked into the future,” Jackie says.
“I actually had my mind set on being a plastic surgeon, but I have found another area that I love.”
Balancing school and apprenticeship
At the 15-month mark into her apprenticeship, Jackie has found the process to be enjoyable and straightforward.
“Being an ASBA apprentice is quite simple,” Jackie says.
“At first it was a little difficult to wrap my head around not being at school as much.”
“I felt as though I was missing out on being around friends and fellow classmates in the beginning.”
Despite initial hesitations, Jackie would recommend doing an apprenticeship while at school to everyone who may want to give it a go.
“Doing both the job and keeping up with schoolwork is quite an experience. I believe others should experience it too,” Jackie says.
“As long as you’re keeping up to date with the school work and starting the assignments as soon as you get them you will thrive.”
With great determination and time management skills, Jackie has been able to graduate from school a year early.
“I am proud to be the first person in the whole school that has finished a whole year early,” Jackie says.
“My biggest accomplishment so far is getting into my second year studies at school before my first apprenticeship year had even ended.”
So far, Jackie has completed 16 out of 31 units of study for her apprenticeship.
“I am also really happy with how I have been able to quickly and successfully learn new skills at work,” Jackie says.
Loving the industry
Jackie has found a passion for the automotive industry, and has also formed a love of learning new skills and continuous growth.
“My favourite part of my apprenticeship is the feeling my mind gets when I know I’ve learnt something new,” Jackie says.
“I feel like I am thriving when I’m able to do something by myself without needing someone else checking what I’m doing.”
Jackie’s mentor, Lang, has developed her confidence and has been a source of comfort for her growth.
“My supervisor Lang has been the most amazing help,” Jackie says.
“He has helped my confidence grow within the industry and makes me feel more comfortable within myself and at the workplace.”
“He not only helps me with mental challenges, but also with the physical sides of the job. He is always teaching me the best ways to do certain jobs and the alternative ways that you could also try to do it.”
Challenges
Learning a new trade while still in school would be a challenging task for most teenagers. Jackie has found a few ways to cope with the change.
“The main challenge that I have overcome is being too caught up inside your own mind,” Jackie says.
“I would often catch myself overthinking things and being unsure as to whether I am capable of doing something.”
“Having enough confidence in yourself to do something for the first time without thinking you’ll fail is also something I have worked on.”
Jackie has learned how to move on and trust yourself after making a mistake.
“I try to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and I reassure myself that it is normal to not get things on the first go when trying something new for the first time,” Jackie says.
Another area that has proved to be challenging for Jackie is feeling as though you aren’t good enough.
“It’s tricky because you’re still learning. I’m not going to know nearly as much as everyone else in the workplace,” Jackie says.
“I have learned to embrace this rather than let it stop me and second guess myself.”
“I was able to overcome the fear of thinking I wasn’t good enough by really opening up and creating relationships between colleagues.”
Since becoming a full-time apprentice after graduating school a year early, Jackie found it challenging to get into a new rhythm and routine.
“It was hard realising that I had a new routine that didn’t involve school,” Jackie says.
“Making sure I was getting enough sleep and taking care of myself was the key to overcoming this.”
Taking challenges in her stride, Jackie has learned to believe in herself.
“You’re never going to succeed at something if you aren’t willing to even try,” Jackie says.
“Eventually I will be working on the cars alone, so it is so important to have a good understanding of everything and be confident with your skills.”
With two and a half years left in her apprenticeship, Jackie’s forward planning means she is already looking to see what the future will hold.
“I hope to start a mechanic apprenticeship to expand my skills,” Jackie says.
“I also dream of one day opening my own panel and paint shop.”