Three months into their roles at Rheinmetall Defence Australia, Amy Brown, Jelma Aton and Julie-Ann Palmer talk teamwork, learning and why trades are worth a go for any woman considering one.
Overview
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Amy Brown, Jelma Aton and Julie-Ann Palmer are three months into trade roles at Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
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They work as an Assembly Mechanic, Production Technician and Production Worker respectively, on the build of advanced defence vehicles.
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All three point to the same thing setting their team apart: nobody works in competition, everyone works together.
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Their advice to women considering a trade: back yourself, ask questions and trust that you belong.
Amy Brown started as an Assembly Mechanic at Rheinmetall Defence Australia three months ago. So did Jelma Aton, a Production Technician, and Julie-Ann Palmer, a Production Worker. Ask any of them what stood out most, and the answer is: the people building them.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia designs and manufactures armoured vehicles, weapons systems and advanced electronic solutions for Australia’s defence capability. It’s precise, high-stakes work, and Amy, Jelma and Julie-Ann didn’t expect to enjoy it quite this much, this fast.
A team that has your back
Ask each woman about her team, and a pattern shows up before the question’s even finished. Amy says:
“Communication is one of our biggest strengths. Everyone from within the team, through to the managers, work together to support each other to achieve the best outcomes. We also make time for team bonding activities outside of work, which really helps build the team.”
Jelma describes something similar.
“I love how our team genuinely supports each other. Everyone is always willing to help, share ideas, and explain different approaches when we come across a challenge. Even when we’re busy solving a problem, someone will always ask if we’re okay or if we need a hand.”
For Julie-Ann, it comes down to how approachable everyone is.
“Our team has a really supportive culture where everyone gets along and looks out for one another. It genuinely feels like being part of a family.
What strikes Jelma most, three months in, is something she half expected to find and didn’t.
“There is no unhealthy competition. That culture of trust, teamwork, and mutual support is one of the most rewarding parts of the role for me. Being surrounded by people who encouraged one another, rather than competing with each other, made me realise I was in the right team.”
Amy Brown, Assembly Mechanic at Rheinmetall Australia
Learning something new, every day
Amy, Jelma and Julie-Ann name variety as one of the best parts of the job.
“What I enjoy the most is the variety that comes with the role. No two days are exactly the same,” Amy says.
She’s also building on her light vehicle qualification, putting it toward what she calls an exciting challenge.
Julie-Ann feels the same pull toward learning, as she points to the equipment itself as part of the appeal: working across a variety of projects using modern technology.
“My favourite part of the role is how much there is to learn. Every day brings something different and there’s always an opportunity to build new skills.”
For Jelma, learning and support go hand in hand.
“From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone on the team. People were always willing to answer questions and share their knowledge. That gave me the confidence to keep learning and developing my skills.”
Jelma Aton, Production Technician at Rheinmetall Australia
Curious about what it’s like to work at Rheinmetall?
Pride in the build
Three months isn’t long, but Amy, Jelma and Julie-Ann already have moments they point to with pride.
“One of my proudest moments is seeing a milestone project come together in such a short time, and knowing I contributed to something significant,” Amy says.
Jelma’s pride shows up in the smaller, daily wins.
“As a new member of the team, I feel proud when something I built and tested passes. It’s exciting to see my work become part of the product and know I’m contributing to the team’s success. It motivates me to keep learning and doing my best.”
For Julie-Ann, it’s the satisfaction of completion.
“Seeing all your hard work come together and knowing you’ve played a part in the delivery gives a real sense of satisfaction.”
Julie-Ann Palmer, Production Worker (left), and Amy Brown, Assembly Mechanic (right)
What they’d tell other women
Between them, Amy, Jelma and Julie-Ann offer some of the most grounded advice you’ll hear about starting a trade career.
“Keep an open mind, stay positive and back yourself,” Amy says. “There will always be opportunities to learn and develop, and every experience will help you grow.”
Julie-Ann puts it plainly.
“Just go for it. Don’t let the idea of working in a trade intimidate you or stop you from giving it a good chance. It can be an incredibly rewarding career with plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and challenge yourself.”
Jelma’s advice is the most personal.
“Believe in yourself and trust your abilities. Be willing to learn, stay curious, and take on new challenges, even when they feel outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your ideas, skills and perspective are valuable. Believe you have a place in this field.”
Amy, Jelma and Julie-Ann have found their footing in a trade career, on a team that checks in, backs each other up and leaves the competition at the door. Their advice to the next woman considering it is consistent: you belong here, and the only way to find out is to start.
