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Message Women in Collision Repair
Thanks for reaching out to Women In Collision Repair and Smart Trade Solutions LTD, we look forward to hearing from you and will reply as soon as possible.
Message Women in Collision Repair
Thanks for reaching out to Women In Collision Repair and Smart Trade Solutions LTD, we look forward to hearing from you and will reply as soon as possible.
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Ko Nga Wāhine e Mahi Ana Ki Te Whakatika i Te Tinana o Nga Waka
Women In Collision Repair
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 New Zealand 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.
This project is industry backed, though support from the Inspiring Futures Foundation, and run with the support of the Collision Repair Association of New Zealand. Without these organisations support, Smart Trade Solutions LTD would not be able to bring this amazing project to fruition.
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!
The Future of Collision Repair – 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…
Our Services / To Tatou Ratonga
How can we help?
New to Collision Repair
Are you or someone you know interested in learning about a rewarding career in Collision Repair? Learn how we can help you here.
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Working in Collision Repair
Are you a woman who works in Collision Repair?
Join our networking group and connect with other female tradespeople. Find out more here.
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Employers and Stakeholders in Collision Repair
If you are part of the Collision Repair Industry, or you are looking to employ, learn how we can help you here.
Schools and Community Organisations
If you are part of a school or community organisation, we can support you and your people.
Why Choose Us / He aha tatou i whiriwhiri ai
Smart Trade Solutions
We are dedicated, hardworking Trade industry professionals with a passion for serving our community. We have vast experience in supporting trade pathways and delivering successful projects across Aotearoa New Zealand. We are tradies helping tradies and we love what we do!
Collective years of Collision
Repair Industry experience
Years delivering successful Regional and National Projects
Estimated people placed
into the Collision Repair Apprenticeships over the last three years
Number of Automotive training programmes delivered each year
Want to know more about Smart Trade Solutions?
Testimonials / Whakaaturanga
What our stakeholders have to say
If you love the sound of the Collision Repair industry, or want to support this project
Send us a message today and we will help you explore your options!
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 with Women in Collision Repair or Smart Trade Solutions Ltd, we would like to hear from you...