Apprentice spotlight: Isabella Walker – building confidence, skills and a future in the trades

Today, Isabella is pursuing a career she loves, undertaking a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.  

Hands-on learning, real career options, and the chance to earn while she learns, has made the apprenticeship pathway the perfect fit for her.

Each day brings a new challenge

Every day is different for Isabella, spanning across the full spectrum of electrical tasks and she thrives on the variety.  

A typical day might involve electrical based tasks, like underground lead‑ins for future power, Level 2 connections, rough‑ins and cut‑offs, fit‑offs in new homes and builds, solar and air conditioning. 

“The best part about my job is that every day is different, you’re constantly learning new skills.” Working in a physically demanding trade comes with its own challenges. For Isabella, her height and strength have occasionally made certain tasks more difficult. 

She has found the best solution for her is to ask for help or approach the task in a different way. 

I ask for help, or I approach the task in a different way. 

Being able to problem solve is a big part of the role and this skill has given Isabella a huge advantage in her role.

Why apprenticeships matter 

“I believe an apprenticeship strengthens a person’s confidence within themselves. And it teaches skills you can use in later life.” 

Her top tips for those considering an apprenticeship, especially women, is to give everything a go. Print off your resume and cover letter and hand them out, the more you get your name out there the more opportunities you can get. 

Isabella’s future is already taking shape. After completing her apprenticeship, she plans to stay with her employer, gain her solar and refrigeration licensing tickets, and eventually fulfil a long-term dream of starting her own company. 

Creating more welcoming worksites for women 

Isabella is also passionate about improving the workplace for women in trades.

Her advice for other young women thinking about a trade career is despite it seeming scary at first, everyone is cheering for you!  

“If you enjoy working with your hands, be persistent. You can succeed, and you are paving the way for future generations.” 

Something as simple and essential as proper female toilet facilities with secure disposal bins to make the environment feel safer and more comfortable for women. 

Isabella recently completed mentoring through Apprenticeship Support Australia, a service she describes as truly meaningful. She was supported by our Women in Trades mentor, Megan Rice. 

“They helped me plan and keep on track with the goals I set for myself. They also connected me with more women in the trade community.”

Confidence on the job 

Isabella’s confidence has grown with each improvement she makes and the learning she gets from being on the job. Theres always someone on the job she can ask for help which helps her feels reassured. 

“I feel confident on the job because everything is fixable. If you make a mistake, it can be easily fixed, and the important thing is that you learn from it. Being confident on the job starts with feeling confident in yourself.”

If Isabella’s story has inspired you, get in touch.