Women In Apprenticeships Awards Winners 2025 Revealed

A smiling Women In Apprenticeships Awards winner 2025 Renee Evans stands beside her work ute.

Meet the 2025 winners of this highly coveted prize.

For mum of four and nursing student Renee Evans it was watching an electrician at work as she rested two arms in plaster casts that signified a major turning point in her life. The 33 year old – one of 10 Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards winners for 2025 – was inspired to do a career 180 to take up an electrical apprenticeship.

“No one ever said to me, ‘Why don’t you try a trade?’” says the first-year apprentice, who works at Braden Hotker Electrical in Victoria. “But I made the decision to be entirely true to who I am and I landed in this trade. I’m proud that I’m doing exactly what I want to do. It’s been a really wild and tiring time, but it’s been so exhilarating and liberating.”

Now celebrating its third year, the initiative supports women in the early stages of their careers, with prizes valued at just over $10,000 for each winner. The winners’ pack includes Bunnings Trade vouchers and The National Association of Women in Construction memberships to help provide a financial and professional kick-start.

Here, Renee shares her story, and we meet the other winners from around the country.

Women In Apprenticeships Awards winner 2025 and apprentice electrician Renee Evans working on wires on a building site.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What it’s like to be a female apprentice: Renee’s story

How did you come to be a mature-age apprentice?

When the kids were younger, I was a stay-at-home mum, but once they were all in school I could be much more career focused. I was studying for my Bachelor of Nursing, but I’d done that for quite a few years and started to realise I didn’t want to work in healthcare anymore. I was done with it, but I also had no interest in jumping from job to job, so I waited for a sign to help me figure out where I wanted to go in my career.

Did you get a sign?

Yes, last year I was breaking all the rules and rollerskating in the house. My daughter and dog tripped me over and I ended up with both of my arms in plaster casts. I was stuck at home – I couldn’t drive and I couldn’t work. In that time, we had a sparky come to move some power points and that’s when all of a sudden my eyes were opened – why had I never looked at a trade?

Why did you think you were suited to a trade?

I prefer being active, and being an electrician really challenges me mentally, which is what drew me to it. As soon as I got clearance from my surgeon, I immediately went for it.

How did you make the move?

I had no career background that would entice someone in trades to hire me so I did everything to show I could work really hard. I had two jobs – working in pathology during the day and at Woolworths at night; I started a pre-apprenticeship course to have that on my resume; and I did a lot of cold calling. I ended up getting hired by the first person I did work experience with.

What does winning in the Bunnings Trade Women In Apprenticeships Awards mean to you?

I was so astronomically proud – enough to bring me to tears, literally. At first it meant I could be relieved of the huge cost burden of tools I need for my apprenticeship, allowing me to focus on supporting my family. But since winning, I’ve embraced that I am also part of a far greater cause – the female representation in trades.

How will winning help you in your career?

It’s inspired me to work harder than ever before to achieve a healthy, successful career as a tradeswoman. Plus, being fully kitted out will drastically reduce financial stress and enhance my work performance on the job, as I now have all the tools needed to get the job done.

What do you enjoy about the work?

I like doing the domestic stuff, it’s very different, and you learn a lot of everyday skills that you use all the time. I also really enjoy the designer aspect and seeing how people design their homes and emphasise features using lighting.

Has the change of direction been fulfilling?

Absolutely. I wish I’d thought of it 10 years ago. It was never something that was presented to me at school as an opportunity, even though I was a farm kid and, on the farm, the girls had to do the same work as the boys. I think schools should definitely open that opportunity up to girls more.

What do you hope your kids learn from your career change?

I think they’ve really seen me thrive in this new environment. I like them to know that they can do whatever they want, and I also like to teach my son that whatever career he goes into, there’s always space for women as well.

What would you say to bosses considering hiring female apprentices?

That women are extremely capable, but they also offer a nice presence in a workforce that is very male dominated.

Women In Apprenticeships Awards Winners List

All up, there are 10 winners in the Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards 2025. Meet the women in construction sharing the accolade with Renee.

Female civil construction apprentice Felicity Wadsworth sits in a loader in orange hi-vis making the peace sign.

Felicity Wadsworth (QLD): Third-year civil construction apprentice

Being told trades were “boys’ jobs” didn’t stop Felicity applying for pipeline training. “I didn’t even really know what it was, but I fell in love with it from my first day.” Felicity has her own podcast – Hardhats n Heels – sharing experiences of working in a male-dominated field.

Georgia Hladysew (NT): Second-year apprentice electrician

Serving in the Australian Army gave Georgia a great foundation for working in trades. “My passion for my trade comes from being able to apply the problem-solving skills I gained in the military to something hands-on.”

Ruby Iles (NSW): Second-year apprentice carpenter

As a kid, Ruby loved helping her dad make small projects, so it was no surprise when she joined his building company. “I’ve been loving it. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your work and knowing someone is going to call it their home.”

Emma Tran (NSW): Third-year apprentice carpenter

Emma – an apprentice working at the Western Sydney International Airport – has three main goals for her career: to break stereotypes in the industry; make her family proud; and inspire young women to pursue a trade.

Women In Apprenticeships Awards winner 2025 Ella Gillon holding a wrench standing in front of sprinkler fitting services.

Ella Gillon (Vic): First-year sprinkler fitter apprentice

A creative problem solver, Ella stepped away from a corporate career to take up an apprenticeship in the niche trade of fire protection because her motivation has always been to provide safety to others.

Milly Finn (NSW): Third-year apprentice electrician

Milly’s inspiration for working hard? Her mum. “I lost my dad at a young age, and my mum showed me what true strength and resilience look like. She’s the reason I strive to be an empowered woman.”

Female plumbing apprentice Holly Bromage in orange hi-vis at work.

Holly Bromage (Vic): First-year apprentice plumber

For fourth-generation plumber Holly, talking shop is a passion she shares with her dad, David. “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 generations,” she says.

Kodi Miles (WA): Second-year apprentice cabinet maker

Kodi found her dream trade when she stumbled upon cabinet making. “I love the analytical side of problem solving to overcome unexpected issues. The best part is watching the customers’ faces light up because you’ve made their dream kitchen come true.”

Teagan Berghout (SA): Fourth-year apprentice tiler

Losing her mum early has driven Teagan to succeed. “Teagan proves time and again that she has what it takes to be competitive with her peers and an example to other women at TAFE,” says her employer Aaron Genesin.