Mechanic Jennie making waves in the motor industry - Kilkenny Live
Jennie Leahy has entered what is typically known as a male-dominated world...
A young woman is breaking new ground in the Kilkenny motor industry.
Jennie Leahy has entered what is typically known as a male-dominated world by taking up an apprenticeship at a local garage. The Dungarvan native is a first year apprentice with Callan Autos.
From a very early age Jennie has been interested in the mechanical workings of cars and motorbikes. Her schooling took her through Dungarvan College. She had plenty of points in her Leaving Cert to warrant a place in a third level educational establishment anywhere in the country but she was drawn to a one year course on offer from St John’s College, part of the Munster Technology University in Bishopstown, Cork – motor mechanics. She was the only mechanical aspirant on the course.
On completion of her third level studies she trawled the market for an apprenticeship, coming to the attention of Callan Autos owner Davy O’Brien.
"She came for an interview,” he said. "Her CV was very impressive, and she expressed herself very well. I loved her confidence, and I decided to take her on."
In her early 20s, Jennie is confident and competent in a male-dominated environment, but has been helped by the support of her family, mother Mary and father Sean and siblings Jack and Katie.
"They were all very supportive," she said. "They told me that if that is what I wanted they would stand beside me in whatever I felt happy doing with my life."
Jennie is a very talented young woman, being an Irish champion dancer from the Michael Ryan School of Dancing in her hometown. She was also a qualified Scout Leader in her younger years.
Now, having completed a QQI Level 5 course in Motor Technology, she is driving on in her new profession, with the full support of the Callan Autos crew and boss Davy.
"I was worried initially that she was coming into an environment that might not have been easy for her," he added.
"I needn’t have worried - we have a great team here, and Jennie has fitted right in with the six lads. She is a terrific young woman."