Nat Rouessart

Meet Nat: the woman who laughed in the face of being told by different employers "that's a man's job" and with determination became O'Brien Autoglass's first female Technical Trainer anyway. After being turned away from countless workshops early in her career, this former carpenter-turned-qualified Auto Glazier didn't just prove she belonged—she kicked the door wide open and is now holding it open for everyone else.

Training both new starters and experienced technicians across service centres, Nat combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for building confidence and capability in her teams. Her journey from facing rejection to becoming the role model she once needed is a powerful reminder that persistence pays off—and that the automotive industry is richer when everyone has a seat at the table.

Please explain your job to us?

I’m a Technical Trainer at O’Brien AutoGlass and a qualified Auto Glazier. I work with both new and experienced technicians, helping them build confidence and sharpen their skills through hands on training and mentoring. It’s not just about teaching the technical side of glass repair and replacement, it’s about making sure the technicians understand the importance of safety, precision, and great customer service.

I also support our service centres by working closely with managers and supervisors to make sure procedures are being followed properly and consistently. My team is always looking ahead, we test new tools and equipment, explore safer and more efficient ways to work, and help shape the future of how we do things. It’s all about building strong, capable technicians who feel supported and proud of the work they do.

Why does this job/industry get you out of bed in the morning? Where did this passion come from? 

Automotive has always been my calling. Even though I began my career as a fully qualified carpenter, I’ve always been drawn to hands on, physically demanding work the kind that gets your hands dirty and your heart racing. I’ve never shied away from a challenge, especially when it meant going against the grain. I’m proud to be a woman in trades, proving every day that we belong here too.

What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that the work we do directly impacts road safety real lives, real outcomes. But even more than that, it's the privilege of helping others grow. There's something incredibly special about watching someone gain confidence and skill through training I've delivered.

My passion was born from adversity. I wanted to enter a trade from a young age, but I was constantly turned away simply because I was a girl. That only fuelled my determination. I didn’t just want to prove I could do it, I wanted to pave the way for others to follow. Today, I’m driven by that same fire: to break barriers, to lift others up, and to make this industry more inclusive, one confident trainee at a time.

What is the pathway to your job?

As I mentioned earlier, my journey into the automotive industry has been anything but straightforward. I actually started out as a qualified carpenter, or as we say in the trade, a chippy. From the beginning, I was drawn to hands-on work and knew I wanted to be in a trade. But my real passion was always in the automotive industry, I just loved cars.

After finishing school, I applied for countless apprenticeships in male dominated industries. I walked into workshop after workshop, only to be laughed at or told it was “a man’s job.” It was tough, but I didn’t let it stop me. I pushed forward and earned my carpentry qualification, proving I had the skill and determination to succeed in the trades.

Still, the automotive industry kept calling me back. When I saw a position advertised for an Auto Glazier at O’Brien, I jumped at the opportunity and that’s where everything changed. I became a fully qualified Auto Glazier and continued to upskill, eventually stepping into the role I’m in today as a Technical Trainer in which I am currently studying my Certificate IV in training and assessing for this role. And I’m proud to say I’m actually the first female Technical Trainer at O’Brien a milestone that means a lot to me, and hopefully opens doors for others too.

If you’re thinking about stepping into a trade, especially in automotive, let me tell you it can be done. It won’t always be easy but the challenges are what shape you. With persistence, passion, and a bit of grit you can build a career that’s not only rewarding, but one that makes a real impact. I’ve been where you are. I’ve faced the doubts, the hurdles, and the moments where I had to dig deep. But I kept going and so can you.

So, if you’re wondering whether you belong in this industry, hear this: YOU DO. Back yourself. Stay curious. Keep showing up. The doors are opening and you might just be the one to hold them open for someone else.

What does a typical workday look like?

A typical day in my role is dynamic and rewarding. I support my allocated service centres and deliver hands on training sessions for new starters. I train and assess technicians by demonstrating techniques, guiding them through practical exercises, and evaluating their progress to ensure they’re developing into capable confident technicians.

In addition to working with new starters, I also work with experienced technicians. I engage with a wide range of personalities across different service centres, which keeps every day interesting and engaging. No two days are ever the same and that’s one of the things I love most about my job.

All our training is practical and on the job, allowing me to tailor sessions to real world scenarios. I also spend time developing training materials and staying up to date with the latest advancements in automotive technology. My days are full but incredibly fulfilling knowing that I’m helping to build safer, more skilled technicians makes every moment worthwhile

What are some important skills required to be successful in your job?

Being successful as a Technical Trainer means having solid technical knowledge and being able to teach it in a way that’s clear and engaging.

From a technical standpoint, a deep understanding of automotive glass, safety protocols, and diagnostic procedures is essential, along with precision and strong problem-solving skills to ensure accurate and safe outcomes.

On the training side, it’s about being able to communicate clearly, adapt to different learning styles, remain patient under pressure and foster engagement and motivation across diverse teams. The goal is always to translate complex technical concepts into practical, hands-on learning that sticks.

Pivotal moment in your career?

Stepping into the role of O’Brien’s first female Technical Trainer was a meaningful moment not just for me, but for what it represents. It showed that change is possible, and that women have a place in every part of this industry.

The most powerful feedback I’ve received came from women who saw me in our ad campaigns and said, "I realised: I can do that too." That’s when I understood the true impact of visibility.

I’ve become the role model I once needed, and now I get to show other women that they don’t have to wait for permission to lead, to build, or to belong. We’re not just opening doors we’re holding them open for others to walk through. And that’s the kind of legacy I’m proud to be building.

One thing the industry can do to make itself more appealing to women?Representation and support are everything. When women see other women thriving in technical and leadership roles, it sends a powerful message: you belong here, and you can succeed. That’s why visibility matters so much. 

I recently had the incredible opportunity to be part of a new ad campaign with O'Brien, spotlighting female technicians. It’s out now, and I’m genuinely proud to be part of a company that doesn’t just talk about inclusion, they live it. O'Brien gives everyone a voice, and in industries like automotive, that voice is not just welcomed, it’s needed. Creating inclusive environments, offering mentorship, and building clear pathways for growth aren’t just nice to haves, they’re absolute game-changers. They help women not only enter the industry but thrive, lead, and inspire the next generation.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Don’t be afraid to take opportunities just because they scare you.” The most rewarding parts of my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone.

What is your advice to young women considering a career in the automotive industry?

Back yourself...ALWAYS... Don’t let outdated stereotypes or anyone else's doubts define your path. The automotive industry needs your perspective, your skills and your voice. Yes, you might face knock backs (I certainly did) but keep going. Every challenge is a chance to grow, and there is a place for you in this field. Be curious. Ask questions. Learn relentlessly. Work hard, and most important take up space. Whether it's in a workshop, a boardroom, or a training session, you belong there. Own it. You’re not just entering an industry, you’re helping shape its future.

What drives your passion for shaping the future of the automotive industry?

I'm proud to be part of an industry that’s not only hands on but truly transformative. My path hasn’t always been linear, but every twist and turn has reinforced the power of resilience and determination. Today, I stand not just as a trainer, but as a role model, especially for women at O'Brien AutoGlass. Visibility matters. Representation matters. If my presence helps even one young woman believe she belongs here, then I’ve made an impact. Because when we lift others, we drive real change, and that’s the legacy I’m committed to building.