In this episode of Next Gen MFG, host Nush interviews Audrey Smith, a 20-year-old automotive technician who shares her journey through the skilled trades, including her experiences at NASCAR Tech and the Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) program for Mercedes. Audrey discusses the challenges she faced transitioning to the MSAT program, her current role at Hendrick, and the unique experiences of being a woman in a male-dominated field. She offers valuable advice for future students considering the MSAT program and reflects on the importance of self-worth and confidence in pursuing a career in the trades.

Chapters

00:30 Introduction: Audrey Smith

04:16 Challenges and Insight from the Mercedes Training Program

14:33 Choosing NASCAR Technical Institute

16:38 Current Role at Hendrick Motors

28:01 Experiencing Isolation in a Male-Dominated Environment

31:47 Building Connections and Finding Support

33:54 Advice for Future MSAT Students

37:14 Finding Confidence and Self-Worth

38:15 Reflections on Work and Personal Growth

43:55 Outro

Thank you for listening! Be sure to like and share this episode if you found it helpful - and follow Next Gen MFG on all socials!

In this reflective episode, Nush shares her journey through 2024, highlighting her growth, experiences in the manufacturing industry, and the importance of community and support. She discusses her transition from working in a machine shop to becoming a voice for young individuals in trades through her podcast. Nush emphasizes the significance of uplifting diverse voices and the connections she has built along the way, expressing gratitude for the support she has received from friends and listeners.

Takeaways -

Nush started posting on LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. Her unique perspective as a young woman of color is valued in the industry.

She created her podcast to uplift young voices in trades. She aims to inspire others to pursue careers in trades.

Building a supportive community has been crucial for her growth. Nush emphasizes the importance of networking and connections.

Her experiences at IMTS were a highlight of the year.

More from Nush:

Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Within Tolerance: https://www.instagram.com/withintolerancepodcast/p/C6DXhkeuFNp/ and https://open.spotify.com/episode/4U8V1rxeMJwm98gADoeGsH?si=EaH4URsWSZ2f-eHTU_Hy_g

Upkeep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbT_VpZV-s8

In this episode of NextGenMFG, host Nush interviews Isabel Tuman, a 22-year-old automotive and welding student from Southern California. Isabel shares her journey from being a marketing major to discovering her passion for automotive technology and welding. She discusses the challenges of being a dual-enrolled student, her experiences in community college, and the importance of certifications. Isabel also highlights her involvement with Real Deal Revolution, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering women in trades. The conversation touches on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of mentorship, and advice for aspiring tradespeople.

00:00 Introduction to NextGenMFG and Guest Introduction

01:01 Isabelle's Journey in Automotive and Welding Education

06:19 Welding Classes and Certification Process

09:13 Dreams and Aspirations in Motorsports

10:59 Real Deal Revolution: Empowering Women in Trades

14:29 Mentorship and Role Models in the Industry

18:12 Future Aspirations and Support Systems

21:32 Imposter Syndrome in Professional Spaces

24:14 Experiences in Cosmetology and Automotive Training

32:00 Advice for Aspiring Students in Trades

Connect with Isabel:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-tuman/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@builtby.isabel?_t=8sAI2VyectW&_r=1

IG - https://www.instagram.com/isabel.tuman/profilecard/?igsh=MTZkYTc4Z3U1bW81OA==

Connect with Nush:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@333vnush?_t=8sAIBxIPUOk&_r=1

IG - https://www.instagram.com/nushratah/profilecard/?igsh=MWg4NHpvNWl1cWlsMw==

Follow the podcast:

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenmfg?_t=8sAID5iGvh0&_r=1

IG - https://www.instagram.com/nextgenmfgpodcast/profilecard/?igsh=MTFmOThteThiMDhlMQ==

Want to be on the next episode? Fill out the form! https://forms.gle/Hhen7F5oTJ7Hvso89

In this episode of NextGenMFG, host Nush interviews Natalie Macias, a high school junior passionate about engineering. Natalie shares her journey through STEM education, her experiences in robotics, and the challenges she faces as a first-generation college student. The conversation highlights the importance of exposure to science and technology at a young age, the significance of networking, and the need for educational systems to foster leadership and self-sufficiency among students. Natalie offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion in the field of STEM.

key takeaways

• ​Natalie Macias is a high school junior passionate about engineering
• ​Natalie's early exposure to STEM sparked her interest in engineering
• ​Being a first-generation college student motivates her to pursue higher education
• ​The importance of networking in STEM fields
• ​Education should focus on developing leaders, not just workers
• ​She encourages young students to not limit themselves and seek opportunities
• ​She highlights the need for more support and resources for young women in engineering

On today's episode I am joined by Sydney Stewart from South Carolina, say that 5 times fast.

Host Nush met Sydney on Tiktok after watching a few of her videos. Check out some of her posts here: https://www.tiktok.com/@skeetfuk

Syd and I ended up treating this episode like a FaceTime call between friends instead of an interview between strangers, which allowed us to connect more. She attended Greenville Technical College for their welding program and has nothing but great things to say about that experience. She gets real about her encounters on the job with her male coworkers and even their wives.

Check out Nush's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushratah/?hl=en

Nush on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Nush on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@333vnush

Be sure to keep up with the podcast on Linkedin, Tiktok, and Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/nextgenmfgpodcast?igsh=MTFmOThteThiMDhlMQ==

https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenmfg?_t=8rDxrxLpyCx&_r=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgenmfg-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

This episode's guest comes all the way from Alaska! Autumn Mayo is currently a welding student at Universal Technical Institute in Arizona. This episode Autumn and I get into the importance of reaching out to companies and advocating for your skills and passions. In Autumn's case, she was writing graduation cards in hopes that a company would attend her graduation, but they did her one better! Hypertherm Plasma Cutters sent Autumn a brand new state of the art plasma cutter as a graduation gift! We also talk about the dynamic of trade school classes, what it's like being one of the only women in class, and how to build a supportive community of women amongst the sea of testosterone. Tune in to hear Autumn's advice on welding and muscle memory, as well as her experiences at welding school.

Check out Autumn on Tiktok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@sky_75_

Check out Nush's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushratah/?hl=en

Nush on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Nush on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@333vnush

Be sure to keep up with the podcast on Linkedin, Tiktok, and Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/nextgenmfgpodcast?igsh=MTFmOThteThiMDhlMQ==

https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenmfg?_t=8rDxrxLpyCx&_r=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgenmfg-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

This episode I am joined by guest Jianna Shibunga from Virginia. Jianna currently lives in North Carolina and is working as an automotive technician at Tuffy Auto Care center. She attended NASCAR Technical Institute, and similar to the host, she also enrolled in the 15 week NASCAR Pit program. Jianna talks about the work life balance of a tech school student, tips and tricks on how to land interviews, ways to stand out to employers, and how you can make your way into the automotive industry through an entry level role. We touch a bit on the culture shock of moving to a different state and having to share an apartment with complete strangers. As both Jianna and I (Nush) are women of color, we related a lot. Tune into this episode to get some insight on tech school to see if it’s the right fit for you!

We also cover ASE's (automotive service excellence)

Follow the podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nextgenmfgpodcast/?hl=en

TT:https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenmfg

Follow Jianna:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jat.sco/

TT:https://www.tiktok.com/@jj.sc

Follow Nush:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nushratah/?hl=en

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@333vnush
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/

ASE Resources:

https://www.ase.com/ase-study-guides

https://asetestprep.com/

https://www.ase.com/test-prep-and-training

In episode 3 of Next Gen MFG, host Nush (@nushratah) introduces Liv also known as @indiesgarage on Tiktok and Instagram! Liv is a high performance motorsports student at UNOH (University of Northwestern Ohio). She has an interest in motorsports, specifically motorcycle motorsports and MotoGP. Liv and I get to talk about all things tech school, teachers, and networking. We even touch on the possibility of us both attending FabTech and IMTS in the next few shows!

Liv started her career in college for business and political science. Due to learning differences, she ended up dropping out until she found her passion for automotive.

Now, Liv finds herself being a voice and guide for young girls who are wanting to get into automotive and motorcycles.

Check out more of Liv's Tiktoks here: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiesgarage?_t=8rDxcYECLu7&_r=1

or follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/indiesgarage?igsh=MWR3OHA1OHljM2Zwcw==

Check out Nush's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushratah/?hl=en

Nush on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Be sure to keep up with the podcast on Linkedin, Tiktok, and Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/nextgenmfgpodcast?igsh=MTFmOThteThiMDhlMQ==

https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgenmfg?_t=8rDxrxLpyCx&_r=1

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgenmfg-podcast/?viewAsMember=true