From Apprentice to Breakdown Technician - Rachael Heufel - Building Confidence – Episode 164

What if the career you love is waiting just outside your comfort zone? In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with heavy vehicle technician Rachael to talk about her journey from a high school student unsure of her future to becoming a trusted breakdown technician who thrives on solving problems in the field. Along the way, we discuss overcoming workplace challenges, finding mentors, pushing through self-doubt, and why stepping into the unknown completely changed her career. Rachael shares the highs and lows of her apprenticeship, the realities of being one of the few women in the workshop, and the persistence it took to earn the opportunity she'd been asking for. Her story is a reminder that confidence isn't built by waiting until you're ready—it's built by taking the next challenge, even when you're scared. In this episode, we discuss: - Finding an apprenticeship through work experience - Navigating difficult workplace cultures as a young apprentice - Why supportive mentors can change your career - The importance of asking questions and staying curious - Pushing through self-doubt to chase new opportunities - Life as a heavy vehicle breakdown technician - Why diagnostics became the part of the trade she loves most - Building confidence by getting outside your comfort zone - The value of networking and connecting with others in the industry Whether you're an apprentice, a qualified tradesperson, or simply wondering if it's time to take on your next challenge, this episode is a reminder that growth often begins where your comfort zone ends. Every difficult experience, every new skill, and every challenge you overcome becomes part of the confidence you carry into the next stage of your career.