From Technician Apprentice to Fleet Maintenance Supervisor: Meet Tabitha M.

Tabitha joined Republic Services in November 2020, during the pandemic, attracted to the company for its stability and long-term opportunities during an uncertain time. Prior to this career shift, she had a diverse background, including 20+ years as a licensed cosmetologist, 15 years in management and bartending, and 8 years maintaining farm equipment.

When presented with the opportunity to join the Republic Services’ Technical Institute Apprenticeship program in Dallas, TX, Tabitha saw it as an excellent path for professional growth and expanding her technical knowledge. The apprenticeship, while challenging, provided valuable hands-on experience working with trucks and deep technical knowledge about equipment operation, diagnostics, maintenance, safety and repair systems. Tabitha has the distinction of being the first female to complete the Technician Apprenticeship program!

After completing her apprenticeship training, Tabitha received her first promotion to a C-Tech position. With each subsequent promotion, her responsibilities expanded from handling increasingly complex repairs to eventually supervising others and guiding daily operations, demonstrating that women can succeed in technical roles typically associated with men.

As Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Tabitha leads a team of five Technicians in Cahokia, IL, focusing on teaching and supporting their development. Her priorities include maintaining safety as the top priority, ensuring trucks are properly maintained for daily routes and supporting her team’s skill development and efficient collaboration.

She advises new employees to stay determined, remain open to learning and take pride in their work. Tabitha considers her proudest accomplishment to be the progress she’s made in a traditionally male-dominated field, overcoming doubts about her abilities and proving herself through work ethic, skills, and leadership.