Tayla Pauley’s Journey in Heavy Diesel Mechanics
At Santa Maria College, our mission is to empower young women to forge their own paths, no matter where they may lead. We recently caught up with one of our alumni, Tayla Pauley (Class of 2020), whose inspiring journey since leaving the College exemplifies this spirit. She has transitioned from studying Agricultural Science at Murdoch University to taking on the male-dominated world of heavy diesel mechanics, all while learning valuable life lessons along the way.
After graduating from Santa Maria, Tayla initially pursued Agricultural Science at Murdoch University. However, she realised that this path wasn’t for her after a year. Determined to find her true passion, Tayla took a gap year and began working FIFO on a mine site in the Pilbara, driving dump trucks. This hands-on experience led her to discover a deep passion for working on big machinery, particularly in mining. This newfound interest drove her to apply for a heavy diesel mechanics apprenticeship. Her perseverance paid off when she secured a position with Komatsu in Welshpool, a company known for its support of women in trade roles.
What has been a highlight along the way?
The biggest highlight for me since leaving Santa Maria was my solo trip to Europe in May 2023. Being my first time overseas and doing it solo taught me not to let anything hold you back. If there is something you really want to do or a trip you really want to go on but have no one to do it with you, do it regardless and don’t let anything hold you back from doing the things you want to do.
How did your experiences at Santa Maria influence your decision to pursue a heavy diesel mechanics apprenticeship?
During my time at the College, I learned many skills that have helped shape me into the person I am today. Attending an all-girls school has helped me develop into a strong, independent woman. This has influenced many of my decisions since leaving school, including a career in heavy diesel mechanics. However, I also wanted to be involved in helping to shift the stigma against women in male-dominated roles.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up at around 5.00 am for a 6.00 am start at work. Every three to six months, we get rotated around to a new department to give us a taste of all aspects of the trade. Currently, I am in the pump room, stripping down hydraulic pumps, writing up a report on them for the customer for repairs and then re-building them. We work alongside a tradesperson most of the time who gives us a lot of guidance, so there is a lot of help and support there. A typical workday for me is from 6.00 am to 2.30 pm, but overtime work is available.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your apprenticeship so far?
I think the most challenging part so far has been learning that my best is my best and not to compare myself to others. Being a female in such a male-dominated role is hard enough as it is, but you also tend to really beat yourself up if you are not as strong or mechanically minded as the men you work with. So, learning to accept that I deserve to be there and that I belong in this industry has been challenging.
How do you see the future of women in the heavy diesel industry, and what advice would you give current students interested in this field?
It is becoming a lot more common to see women in trade roles today, although a stigma still exists. I see the presence of women in these roles continuing to grow. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the heavy diesel industry or any trade, 100% give it a crack. No matter what anyone has to say about it. If you believe you can do it, that is all that matters, and you will be supported by the right people along the way.
- alumni, Empowerment, Featured, Heavy Diesel Mechanics, Women in Trades
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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