A talent retention and recruitment project for
Women In Collision Repair
An industry focused recruitment and retention programme
With the support of the Inspiring Futures Fund, Smart Trade Solutions delivers this new initiative which aims to encourage diversity within the Collision Repair industry through the support and development of new women into Collision Repair industry roles.
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Mō Te Kaupapa
About The Project
Traditionally, much like many of the hands-on trades pathways, this space has been occupied predominantly by men.
We are on a mission to showcase to the women of Northland and Auckland that they can also thrive in this industry, that there is room and support for them, and that rewarding, sustainable careers and encouraging employers are waiting. We know from our years working alongside employers and training providers that women shine in these roles, and there are many examples of exceptional female tradespeople who have trailblazed this path before now.
For more information, check out our dedicated website by following the link below.
Women in Collision Repair Services
To Tatou Ratonga
Nā wai hei āwhina
Who we can help
Me pēhea te āwhina
How we can help
He aha tatou i whiriwhiri ai?
Why choose us
Tutaki ki te kapa
Meet The Team
RICHARD LUNN
pROJECT MANAGER
ALICE PARKER
pROJECT LEAD
MARSH WILLIAMS
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
News & updates - Scholarship Announcements!
FMG & Women in Collision Repair Rural Apprentice Support Scholarships
We’re excited to announce the FMG & Women in Collision Repair Rural Apprentice Support Scholarships, created to support wāhine undertaking a collision repair or automotive refinishing apprenticeship in a rural or regional community.
These scholarships are about more than financial support. They’re about helping remove some of the barriers that can make completing an apprenticeship harder, and backing the next generation of women building careers in our industry.
Five scholarships of $1,000 are available, providing support towards rural fuel costs and flexible apprenticeship needs.
If you’re a wāhine apprentice working towards a future in collision repair or refinishing, this could be for you.
Keep your eyes peeled for the scholarship fact sheet, which will be uploaded on 1 October, with applications opening the same day.
Applications will be open from 1 October to 31 October 2026, and we’ll be eagerly awaiting your applications.
Watch this space, get ready, and start thinking about how this support could help you take your apprenticeship to the next level!
News & updates - The Future of Collision Repair event– What a Day!
From inspiring the next generation to giving apprentices a voice, the Future of Collision Repair event brought our industry together in Hamilton.
The Future of Collision Repair Discovery Day brought close to 50 young wāhine into the industry for a hands-on look at what a career in collision repair can really look like. Starting at Prestige Collision Repair, students got behind the scenes, explored the workshop and learned more about the people, skills and opportunities that make up our industry, before heading to Auto Body Equipment for an afternoon of hands-on activities and technology.
That evening, the conversation continued at the Future of Collision Repair themed CRA Roadshow, bringing apprentices, employers and industry partners together for an evening focused on connection, learning and the future of our trade.
A key part of the evening was giving apprentices the opportunity to have their voices heard. We asked them what they wished employers understood, what mattered most to them as apprentices, and what we could do better to support them. Their responses were honest, thoughtful and incredibly valuable, with some clear themes emerging around time, support and opportunity.
The message was simple: apprentices want to learn, improve and build their skills. They just need the time, support and opportunities to do it.
It was a fantastic day and evening, and a great reminder of what can happen when industry comes together to connect, inspire and empower the next generation of collision repair professionals.
A Huge Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Future of Collision Repair Discovery Day and themed CRA Roadshow such a success.
Events like this take a real team effort, and we are incredibly grateful to the organisations, sponsors and people who gave their time, resources and support to help us connect, inspire and empower the next generation of collision repair professionals.
Our Collaborators
- Collision Repair Association (CRA), CNI Regional Branch
- Auto Body Equipment (ABE)
- Prestige Collision Repairs
- WICR Role Models – Emma Simpson, Victoria Hine and Jodie Fox
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
- Sherwin-Williams
- AMI
- Star Insure
- MITO
- FMG
- Resene
- Audi
- Surventis
- European Motor Distributors
- 3M
Official Technology Partner: Partly
Apprentice Voice – What They Told Us
We asked apprentices three simple questions, and their answers gave us some powerful insight into what matters when learning the trade.
At the Future of Collision Repair CRA Roadshow, apprentices were invited to share what they wished employers understood, what mattered most to them, and how the industry could better support them. Their anonymous responses highlighted three clear themes: time, support and opportunity.
Here’s what they told us…
Testimonials / Whakaaturanga
What our stakeholders have to say
If you are interested in this service for yourself or someone you know, get in touch today!
Kei te pirangi koe ki te mahi tahi?
Would you like to Collaborate?
We would love to get involved with any relevant mahi (work) that helps us to help others, so if you would like to collaborate Smart Trade Solutions LTD, we would like to hear from you...
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