A male-dominated industry and social norms did not stop apprentice Kasey Sullivan, 17, from winning bronze at the WorldSkills competition held at GOTAFE earlier this year.
Kasey is a second-year apprentice at Trevaskis Engineering in Tatura, with welding being her focus.
She began her school-based apprenticeship in 2020. At first, she worked once a week but eventually started working full-time.
Kasey’s passion for the trades was evident when she did metalwork and woodwork at school.
This was followed by work experience at Trevaskis Engineering when she “fell in love with it”.
In August this year, Kasey participated in the Regional WorldSkills competition.
WorldSkills required her to build a model steamroller in six hours.
“The competition was stressful,” Kasey said
“The other boys were older than me, and they’ve done it before.
“It was pretty hard. I definitely tested my skills.”
Overall, 38 apprentices competed. Kasey’s fellow competitors in the metal fabrication category were both male.
“We’re pretty proud of Kasey,” Trevaskis Engineering managing director Michael Mason said.
“She did well, and I think it’s great that she had a crack at it.”
Mr Mason encouraged more women to take up apprenticeships and become tradespeople.
He said there was definitely a place for women in the trade, that they did a good job, and they seemed to do the job right instead of cutting corners.
“They do it well and probably have a bit of a calming influence on a male-dominated workforce,” he said.
Trevaskis Engineering operations manager Scott Alexander has also been impressed by Kasey.
“Everyone’s proud of Kasey’s efforts, and she should be as well,” he said.
“We (Trevaskis Engineering) like to support our apprentices in those endeavours.”
Kasey said she would like to remain an employee of Trevaskis Engineering for as long as possible, as they had put time into her and now she would put time into them.