Breaking ground in Heavy Automotive Engineering

Liley Davies (centre) pictured in the Go Bus Dunedin Workshop alongside a MITO representative, and MITO ambassador and rally driver, Emma Gilmour

Go Bus Dunedin technician Lily Davies didn’t join the automotive industry to make history, but she has done exactly that, becoming the first woman to complete MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (Level 5).

Her journey into the industry began in 2022. After completing a diploma in mechanical engineering, Lily knew she wanted a hands-on career but said she wasn’t sure exactly where to apply her skills.

“When I saw the apprenticeship with Kinetic, working within their Go Bus Dunedin Workshop, I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with my hands and build my skills in a role that would challenge me to grow.”

She quickly established herself in a workshop environment where problem-solving and practical thinking are essential. Today, Lily is a valued member of the Dunedin team and is known for her attention to detail and willingness to take on anything from routine servicing to highly complex diagnostics.

Her manager, Workshop Service Manager, Garry Shieffelbein, says Lily’s achievements reflect both her work ethic and her contributions to the wider team.

“Lily has been motivated and energetic from the minute she started with us and approached the course the same way she does everything else, with a can-do attitude,” said Garry.

“She’s a real team player and has already begun using the knowledge and skills she has gained to support our apprentices and help them develop their own abilities.”

Garry says supporting and developing talent is a key priority not only for Go Bus Dunedin, but across Kinetic.

“One of the most important things for us is giving people the support and opportunities to grow,” he said. “Seeing Lily’s development from apprentice to highly capable technician has been fantastic, and we’re proud to continue to support that journey.”

The Level 5 qualification focuses on advanced diagnostics and technical capability, skills that are critical in maintaining modern heavy vehicle fleets. For Lily, completing it marked a significant milestone. 

“This qualification reflects years of hard work. I’m very proud to be able to say I've grown from someone who knew very little about engines at the start of my apprenticeship to being able to diagnose complex faults and complete maintenance jobs.”

Lily’s development has been supported through Kinetic’s focus on hands-on, on-the-job learning. Most of her training was completed in Dunedin as part of her day-to-day role. At times, this has also included travel to other regions, with Kinetic covering the associated costs.

Looking ahead, Lily is continuing to build her expertise. She has been awarded a MITO Alumni Electric Vehicle Scholarship and will soon begin further training in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology.

“I want to learn more about EVs so I can support the business as we move to a greener future,” she says. “There is so much to learn and I’m not ready to stop.”

Her growth comes at an important time for the region, with Kinetic preparing to deliver one of Dunedin's largest zero-emission bus rollouts. From October, 37 new electric buses will join the network, significantly expanding the region’s electric fleet and supporting Otago Regional Council’s goal of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2028.

As the industry evolves, having skilled technicians like Lily, who are continuing to build capability in emerging technologies, will play a critical role in supporting that transition.

Lily’s achievement reflects the kind of growth we’re supporting at Kinetic - investing in training, backing our people, and creating clear pathways into the future of transport.

Lily’s achievement reflects the kind of growth we’re supporting at Kinetic - investing in training, backing our people, and creating clear pathways into the future of transport. Stories like Lily’s are also helping shape initiatives such as the Women at Kinetic Action Plan, focused on creating more pathways and opportunities for women across operational and trade roles in the transport industry.

It’s also a reminder that capability, when backed by opportunity, can set new standards, not just for individuals, but for the industry.