As a proud parent, I've witnessed my daughter's unwavering passion for her chosen trade since day one of her apprenticeship. Her dedication, hard work, and eagerness to learn have been truly inspiring. Every day, she wakes up excited to tackle new challenges and expand her skills. She consistently goes above and beyond, seeking out additional learning opportunities and mentorship to improve her craft. Her commitment to excellence and her genuine love for the trade are evident in the quality of her work and the positive feedback she receives from her supervisors and colleagues.

Winning this support pack would be a game-changer for my daughter. The tools, resources, and educational materials provided would allow her to take her skills to the next level and explore new techniques and technologies in her field. The recognition and support from industry leaders would also boost her confidence and motivate her to continue pursuing her dreams with even greater determination.

Ultimately, this support pack would not only benefit my daughter but also contribute to the future of her trade by empowering a talented and passionate young apprentice who has the potential to make a significant impact in her industry.

It is with immense pride that I nominate Jade for the Women in Apprenticeships Awards. Jade arrived with no experience, but her enthusiasm was immediately evident. Her infectious energy has revitalized the team, and she has demonstrated a passion for learning the trade.

Now almost in her third year, Jade embodies the spirit of a dedicated apprentice, she's an incredibly quick learner, is always eager to do any task at hand and her meticulous attention to detail sets her apart. In fact, her skills have been so impressive that 2 other trades have attempted to "poach" her from our team!

This support package would be an incredible investment in Jade's future, empowering her to build up her tool collection, and giving her the freedom to undertake any project now and in the future. This wouldn't just benefit Jade, it would also elevate the construction industry by fostering a passionate, highly skilled tradesperson. To date Jade has worked on multi-million-dollar residential builds, commercial and residential renovations.

I wholeheartedly believe Jade deserves this award. Her work ethic, passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and quick learning will make her a future star in the field.

Parris is an absolute superstar !

We were on the lookout for an apprentice for some time. We came across Parris through the Master Landscapers, and we could not be happier. Moving from the Riverland to rent in Adelaide and start an apprenticeship shows great courage which impressed us a lot but first and foremost she is a fantastic person and great company which is important for team dynamics.

But with that she has a fantastic eye for detail and great work ethic. Straight away she showed us her ability to work independently, and problem solve tasks. Her first day with us she was on the sledgehammer demolishing a brick letter box and lifting barrows. Parris thrives on the physical work that landscaping throws up. We cannot speak highly enough of Parris and what a fantastic and valuable member she has become of our team. Winning this support pack would assist Parris in opening up doors in the industry and give her the tools to thrive moving forward through her apprenticeship.

I completed my graduation in computer science in Pakistan, but my passion lied in working with tools and fixing electrical problems in the house. It’s almost a taboo for women to be tradesperson in Pakistan and I didn’t know that women could become one. So, when I came to Australia and found out that it’s possible, I was on it straight away. I started as an adult apprentice and needless to say I’m loving every bit of it, even though I am the only woman on my current site and only (and oldest) woman in class. Over last two years, I’ve worked on very interesting projects including electrical upgrades at Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant and Western Treatment Plant. I feel proud to be part of the team helping deliver an essential service for Melbournians. I wish to be a role model for other women to join the construction industry and leave their mark on crucial projects transforming lives of Australians.

One thing I’ve noticed in my apprenticeship so far is that the tools are very expensive. The support pack will help me complete my apprenticeship without stressing about finances to secure my tools during this cost-of-living crisis.

I'm a third-year apprentice painter, and I love my trade. All the current painters have been so supportive, patient and have encouraged me to challenge myself. Their belief makes me believe in my capabilities, which I have found difficult in the past. I love learning new things every day, and the people there have inspired me to be more curious. I'm now never afraid to ask questions not only in the trade, but in everyday life.

The trade has taught me not only to paint, but to believe in myself, be a leader, and be a team player.  I think this support pack would help me tremendously with getting the gear I need to be my best in the trade, and hopefully be that representation for other trades women and non-binary people thinking about entering the industry. Hopefully as well, I can find a way to encourage the trade industry to be more inclusive and supportive of people who are neurodivergent.

We nominate Talitha, a first-year carpentry apprentice. She is a single mother of five, who is passionate about the career she has started. Her positive, determined approach is a role model. She gets up at 4am six-days a week, travels two-hours to work, learns and applies new skills, travels two-hours home in time to prepare dinner, help with homework, and fulfil other mum duties, before doing it all again the next day, and the next. Her children support her, leaving little notes of encouragement, which she takes to work. They thank her, as her dream is to one day be a site supervisor and to build their own family house, so they don't need to continually move in such dire rental crisis.

This support pack prize will provide resources Talitha needs, particularly as she is starting out in her career. Just as importantly, it will give her due recognition for the outstanding job she continues to do.

I have known Clara since she was a little girl. She is a beautiful sincere personality and has blossomed into a lovely mature level-headed young woman. She has to travel 200ks each way for Tafe lessons and is the only female in her class. She gives her all in anything she does, and I must say I admire that she crawls into roof and under floor spaces among spiders and other critters and does it all with a smile and positive attitude.

Especially I think the prize would help her immensely living in a rural area where travel distances are extensive. She totally deserves recognition for her excellent attitude, industriousness and honest nature. Clara is also a great candidate because she also carries herself with an appealing humble demeanour… which can be a challenge for anyone - let alone a young person- to cultivate in a fairly competitive world… I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend her for this award.

My name is Tabitha, and I am a carpenter apprentice and mother of two young children. At 33 I took a chance at having a second career after time off to be there for my kids, having been a photographer and studio manager overseas in my 20’s.

I’ve always loved getting on the tools and it didn’t take long for that to turn into a fascination for sustainable building and natural materials. Now that passion has led me to take on Passive House certification and Green Home training during the second year of my apprenticeship.

I feel that it’s really empowering for women, and mums, to be seen in the construction industry as we have so much to bring that can benefit our employers and their clients. I am so proud to be an example to other young girls like my daughter, who now thinks it's totally normal for a woman to be a carpenter. The prize would go so far to helping me stay on top of the extra costs associated with the trade and having them would free up having to juggle money between extra study, good equipment, quality workwear and petrol/maintenance costs for my Ute.

For as long as I can recall, I have wanted to be an electrician. From helping my dad in his ‘handyman’ initiatives as a child, through to more complex ‘hands-on’ projects, I love working with my hands. Raising three beautiful children, a husband working long hours as a police officer in remote parts of the Northern Territory, my dreams were placed on hold for many years, but now it is time for my career, and I finally started my electrical apprenticeship in 2023.

For years, many trades have been seen as ‘a man’s job’, and I have a dream to be able to work with a passionate team of ‘tradie ladies’, offering a unique service to the many women in the community who would love the option of electrical works with ‘the feminine touch’. The Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Award would be life-changing, as it would give me the tools to fulfil my dreams, which would help fast-track my success. Bunnings has built a trusted brand in the home renovations space, and I applaud your innovation in supporting the women apprentices who are changing the landscape of many trades throughout the NT, and all over Australia.