August 2026
Gaby Qualifies At Full Speed
Pacific Toyota apprentice Gaby Absalom has a keen thirst to learn – and that’s seen her go from student to a fully qualified automotive technician in just two years.
Gaby recently completed her New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (level four), a milestone that marks a significant achievement in her career.
She joined MTA member Pacific Toyota as a work experience student in 2022, working one day a week, while completing her level three Automotive Engineering Certificate through Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga.
“I just showed up and tried to be as dedicated as possible. The boss came to me and offered me a job and I thought why the hell not, yeah.”
From her first day at Pacific Toyota Gabby went for hard-out.
“I just wanted to get my head down and get it done as quick as possible in the best time and learn as well,” Gabby says.
Dave Milne, Service Manager at Pacific Toyota, says as a student it was clear from early on Gaby wasn’t just there to gain experience, she was also here to learn, work hard, and excel.
“From the start, her eagerness to understand the technical side of the trade was matched only by her unwavering determination,” he says.
“Whether it was her approach to a mechanical job or her attitude in the workplace, Gaby always displayed the dedication and effort of someone on the path to success. It was not unusual for her to literally run to get the job done, always going above and beyond expectations, taking initiative wherever possible.”
By the end of 2024 Gabby had not only completed her level four certification but also achieved Toyota Accredited Technician status.
Gaby’s love of motorsport contributes greatly to her passion inside the workshop.
“I have always been into cars. Growing up my dad inspired me and got me into racing cars watching them a lot, but it wasn’t my first choice of career.
“I was leaning towards engineering, but I found out I was a more hands-on person and suddenly thought I can mix my career and my interest and mechanics is up there so why not give that a shot.”
“I was leaning towards engineering, but I found out I was a more hands-on person and suddenly thought I can mix my career and my interest and mechanics is up there so why not give that a shot.”
What’s next
Gabby has no plans to go anywhere soon. She has plenty going and wants to complete all the training modules Toyota can offer.
“I love it here and love working with my hands. Not having to sit behind a desk and moving all the time has always agreed with me.”
Image: left to right: Toi-Ohomai institute of Technology automotive tutors Wayne Sadler and Mark Davies, Gaby Absalom and Wayne O’Neill from Pacific Toyota.
