March 19 2026
“Being around friends who worked in the automotive industry is what first drew me in at 17, as a retail assistant at Repco,” Jessica Puckey says. “I’ve always wanted to better myself, so whenever an opportunity came up that could move me forward, I took it.”
That determination saw her move into a trade staff role at Appco (now NAPA), where she continued to progress and was eventually promoted to Assistant Branch Manager.
In those early years, Jessica faced a significant challenge—entering a male-dominated industry at a time when many people were reluctant to deal with women in automotive roles.
Rather than letting that discourage her, she stayed consistent, worked hard, and proved her capability through action.
Her perseverance paid off. At just 23, she became the Branch Manager at Repco Huntly. Every one of her employees was male, and the youngest was 50. Jessica not only stepped into the leadership role confidently, but she thrived.
Not long after, a former coworker offered her 30 hours a week at Pit Stop Hamilton. Some might have hesitated, but Jessica believed in the role's potential and took the chance—her hours quickly grew into full-time employment, and she went on to work alongside him for the next five years.
Today, Jessica is not only a workshop owner but a champion for growing talent in the industry. Supporting her staff through their MITO apprenticeships has become a key part of her leadership approach.
“MITO training has made a huge impact on the business,” she explains.
“Because my staff are gaining up-to-date knowledge and working toward their qualifications, the quality of our work has improved, and we’re able to take on more complex jobs with confidence. It also helps build loyalty—my team feel supported, they stay motivated, and they stay with the business longer.”
She makes sure they get the time and guidance they need to succeed, encouraging them to stay on top of their training and celebrating their progress.
Her message for anyone considering the automotive industry is honest and encouraging:
“Starting out can be really overwhelming and scary,” she says. “But if it’s something you truly want to do, give it a go and don’t give up. Stay persistent, keep studying, and don’t let other people bring you down. It can be challenging—but it’s also really rewarding and a great industry to be part of.”
