Life-changing career, life-changing story: Jodi’s butchery journey

A mother of three, Jodi has always focused on doing what’s best for her family. One of her daughters is also breaking barriers, completing a welding apprenticeship in another male-dominated trade. Supporting her children has always been at the heart of Jodi’s journey, but this time, she has taken a bold step for herself.

Eight years ago, Jodi began working at a produce store that also housed a butcher. That was when her interest in butchery truly took hold. “At the age of 17, I did my commercial cookery certificate,” Jodi recalls. “I had been a grill cook for years, but butchery looked cool, I had seen the guys do it, and I wanted to get involved.”

Taking the leap as a mature-aged apprentice

Despite her passion, Jodi wasn’t sure how to take the leap as a mature-aged woman in a male-dominated trade. When her employer offered her a trial, she grabbed the opportunity. It confirmed what she already knew: butchery was where she belonged. Soon after, she was offered an apprenticeship she couldn’t turn down.

Now, at 42, Jodi is proving that age is no barrier to success. “I am very capable at 42, as any 20-year-old,” she says. “It’s all in your mind, and if you believe you can do it, you can do it. If you never put yourself out there, you never know.”

Balancing work, study and family life is a challenge, but Jodi has the support she needs. “One of my biggest supporters would be my 21-year-old daughter who has nearly finished her welding apprenticeship,” Jodi shares proudly. “Being a female and doing a trade like that, I’m proud of her and she gives me back the support that I give her.”

Finding joy in learning again

Jodi also credits her husband and her children for encouraging her to follow her passion. With her kids now older, she has the space to focus on her own career goals. “Every day I step into work it’s an extra day that I get to learn something new, and that alone is rewarding for me. To think at my age that I can still absorb all this information and I’m progressing into a great butcher.”

For Jodi, taking on this apprenticeship has been about more than just learning a trade, it’s been about challenging herself, setting an example, and proving that it’s never too late to change direction. “If you are thinking about changing your career, jump into it, do it, life is too short, you don’t know what’s around the corner.”