“After serving in the Army, transitioning to a trade has been both challenging and rewarding. My passion for this trade (electrical) comes from the opportunity to apply the discipline and problem-solving skills I gained in the military to something hands-on and impactful. The work is fulfilling, and I’m excited to learn and grow each day, knowing that my efforts contribute to the success of projects and growth of the field.

As a female electrical second year apprentice, I’m determined to push through barriers and inspire other women to follow their passion in fields like this.”

As a kid, I loved building with Lego and I would have never imagined that my passion for creating with blocks would lead me to the reality of being a third-year apprentice.

My passion for the trade comes from my love for hands-on work, being on the tools, and the endless learning opportunities the construction industry provides. My three main goals are to break stereotypes in the industry, make my family proud, and inspire young females to pursue a trade.

I want to be a mentor for females entering the industry, showing them that there are no limits to what we can achieve.

“I’m passionate about my trade because I believe women belong in every part of the construction industry, and I want to lead by example. Working in civil construction has taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of pushing past my limits. I love the hands-on nature of the job, the teamwork, and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. Every day, I challenge stereotypes and prove that women can thrive in this space.

This support, I could amplify my impact, not just for myself but for other women looking to break into the industry. This award would be a stepping stone to my long-term goal of independence, homeownership, and inspiring the next generation of women in construction.”

“Ella being a life-long learner, challenges herself daily and strives to achieve success through dedicated hard work. She does this through exemplary dedication to a task, creative problem solving and by being a supportive team member. Ella’s pursuit of a career in fire protection came from a desire to provide safety for others. Ella prioritises others’ needs and winning this award would see a truly deserving applicant be recognised for her consistent selfless work. Ella is adaptive to work situations, pursues learning opportunities and has an exceptionally friendly nature which colleagues greatly value.

She is a role model, ground breaker who inspires by her calmness and quiet confidence. Ella is eager to progress within the trade to increase her impact.”

As a third-year electrical apprentice, I’ve faced challenges that have shaped who I am today. I lost my dad at a young age, and my mum showed me what true strength and resilience looks like. She’s the reason I strive to be an empowered woman, and why I’m passionate about supporting others to do the same.

Starting out, I worked on a large-scale job site as the only female. It was isolating, and the training didn’t align with my TAFE modules, which knocked my confidence. But I took control and made the move to a women-only company, where I’ve grown both personally and professionally. My confidence is back, my mental health is strong, and I feel genuinely supported. I’m proud to be a female tradie. I love walking into the homes of women or knowing that my presence can help them feel safe and secure. It means everything to me to be someone they can trust”

As a father and a third-generation plumber, it's been incredible to pass along the knowledge of this trade to Holly. Plumbing has been a part of our family for years and watching her learn the craft has been a rewarding experience. When we talk about plumbing, it’s not just work—it bridges the gap between my father, myself, and now my daughter. It’s special to see how our shared knowledge spans across generations.

Talking about and teaching Holly the ins and outs of the industry has only deepened my appreciation for the craft. Holly’s drive to become a skilled plumber, just like the generations before her, motivates me to support her every step of the way. Holly aspires to be a standout in the plumbing field, breaking down barriers and showing that women can excel in this trade.”

“Every day I wake up excited to go to work with the endless possibilities of what skills I could learn today. I am always eager to perfect my trade which is evident as I continually ask questions and do overtime to gain more experience. I love the analytical side of cabinet making - problem solving to overcome unexpected issues that arise. The best part is seeing a finished kitchen and watching the customers face light up as you have just made their dream kitchen come true."

“Teagan has been an outstanding and committed wall and floor tiling apprentice since she was first signed up 3 years ago. Teagan loves her work & it shows in her work ethic & in her end product. Being a woman in a man's world, continues to push Teagan to be the best that she can be, proving time & time again that she has what it takes to be competitive with her peers and an example to other women at TAFE.

Teagan also started her tiling career from a place of hardship, losing her mum at a young age and moving out of home at 18, yet still being that little ray of sunshine that she is, whilst continuing to be an example to both apprentices and tradesmen alike”