Apprentice of the Year
Supported by
Mas National
Inspiring Women in the Electrical Trade
Annette Erickson swapped her corporate life for a tool belt, joining a growing number of women breaking into the traditionally male-dominated electrical industry.
After a decade in the tech and software industry, the 32-year-old Blue Mountains resident is just two months into her new career as an electrical apprentice working on Transgrid’s High Voltage Electrical Transmission Grid, the largest in Australia.
Joining 35 other Apprentices, her role involves building and maintaining high-voltage electrical substations connecting renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro such as the Snowy 2.0 Hydropower project. This project will connect renewable energy to the national electricity grid through Kosciuszko National Park.
She will also work on battery energy storage systems (BESS) including the Waratah Super Battery. The project is crucial for securing energy supply after the closure of the Eraring Power Station and before major transmission upgrades. Transgrid’s $150 million project consists of upgrades to existing transmission lines, 22 electrical substations and a $30 million System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) to control the super battery’s activation.
Annette’s apprenticeship was facilitated by Mas National, part of the IntoWork Group, through their partnership with Transgrid. Mas National is committed to providing opportunities for women in trades, helping to break down barriers and ensure women have the support they need to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries.
-
Her story is part of a growing trend of more women opting for trades. According to the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), women make up around 10 per cent of the electrical service workforce in Australia, a number that is steadily increasing.
"I realised that office work wasn't the best fit for my temperament. I'm a curious person who loves to learn and explore different areas, and the electrical trade seemed to offer the most opportunities for growth and specialisation,” Annette said.
Currently two months into a Certificate III in Electrical, Annette is already making the most of her new role, "It's been a bit overwhelming, but in the best way possible," she said. "There's so much to learn, from the history of the company to the tools and techniques used in the field. The support from my colleagues has been incredible, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me."
"I'm fortunate to be working alongside a few other female apprentices, and it's great to see more women in this field. While there might be a slight advantage in terms of diversity initiatives, it's important to remember that you need to be passionate and willing to learn to succeed."
Mas National Acting CEO Ruth Hundertmark expressed the importance of supporting women in trades, “At Mas, we are passionate about empowering women to pursue careers in trades. We understand that the electrical industry, like many others, has traditionally been male-dominated, but by supporting more women to step into these roles, we help build a more diverse and skilled workforce,” she said.
Transgrid Education Programs Coordinator Glen Davis acknowledges traditionally the electrical industry has been male-dominated, “We want to turn this around at Transgrid by recruiting more women for trade roles. We have been actively promoting trade opportunities in our industry for women through pre-apprenticeship programs, Try-a-Trade Days, Career Expos and partnerships such as the one we have with Mas National,” he said.
International Women's Day holds special significance for Annette. "It's a time to acknowledge the progress we've made and the challenges we still face," she said.
"When I finished high school, trades were not considered a viable option for women. It's inspiring to see how much has changed, and I hope my story encourages more women to consider a career in the trades."
For those considering a career in the electrical industry, Annette has a simple message: "Go for it. It's a challenging but rewarding field, and there are so many opportunities to grow and specialise. Don't let traditional gender roles hold you back."
Jake Barlow
Qualification
Certificate III in ESI — Distribution Overhead
Trained by
Essential Energy
Employed by
Essential Energy
Region
North Coast & Mid North Coast Region
-
Jake Barlow is a qualified powerline worker and former mechanic with over eight years of hands-on trade experience. After transitioning into the electricity supply industry, Jake quickly distinguished himself through his commitment to the trade, his technical skill, and a dedication to community service.
Completing his Certificate III in Power Systems – Distribution Overhead seven months ahead of schedule, Jake has earned accolades for his performance in disaster recovery efforts during the Northern Rivers floods and bushfires in Tenterfield and Jennings. And his leadership extends beyond his trade—he’s the Captain of the Kyogle Fire Brigade and an active volunteer in local sporting and tourism initiatives. Jake is passionate about mentoring, and he works hard to champion inclusivity and teamwork in traditionally male-dominated industries. His drive, resilience, and commitment to excellence make him a standout ambassador for workforce development, supporting local communities, and championing vocational education and training in regional NSW.
Kathryn Beale
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by
NECA Training
Employed by
NECA Electrical Apprenticeships
Hosted by
Star Electrical Pty Ltd
Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region
-
Kathryn Beale is the perfect example of an apprenticeship success story; a champion for women in trades, a skilled sparky, and an invaluable team member. As a mature-age apprentice in the trades, Kathryn has honed her skills and found a passion for working on the tools. She now has a world of opportunities at her feet, and a network of supportive colleagues behind her every step of the way.
Kathryn has been recognised not only for her technical skills and strong work ethic, but also for her commitment to fostering diversity and mentorship in the workplace. An essential member of the team, Kathryn is active in her workplace’s mentoring program, and a tireless advocate for women in trades. She has made it her mission to take on leadership roles to promote inclusivity in the workplace. Her tenacity shines through in all she does, and she’s using her own experiences to support the next generation of apprentices coming through the ranks. She is an invaluable asset to the team, and a role model for what is possible through VET.
Nicole Koprivec
Qualification
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
The Mane Space
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
-
Nicole Koprivec has always loved hairdressing; she has been honing her craft since she was a teen. After completing a double degree in commerce/marketing and arts/sociology, Nicole leapt at the opportunity to apprentice at the same hair salon where she began as a salon assistant at just 16 years old. With the skills she’s collected through both university and VET pathways, Nicole was able to fast-track her Certificate III in Hairdressing, achieving it in just over 12 months. Thanks to her dedication and strong organisational skills, Nicole has been able to fuse her hairdressing expertise and marketing knowledge to directly contribute to her salon's growth. It’s thanks to Nicole’s dedication and innovation that The Mane Space boasts an impressive customer return rate of 71%. Nicole exemplifies leadership and commitment in both her work and community involvement, and she’s setting an example for future apprentices to learn from.
Lochlan Leonard
Qualification
Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher)
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Chop Butchery — Richmond
Region
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region
-
Lochlan Leonard has accomplished a lot over the course of his apprenticeship in Meat Processing, and he is a standout role model for the possibilities that VET can provide. When Lochlan joined Chop Butchery, his determination meant that he quickly advanced to take on significant responsibilities... before he knew it, he was managing regional stores. His hard work and dedication culminated in winning the NSW Australian Meat Industry Council ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award, a testament to his commitment to the trade.
Lochlan's training experience was very hands-on, and by blending practical skills with theoretical knowledge, he was able to quickly excel in areas such as knife skills and customer service. Lochlan knows exactly how important VET is to the industry and, now that he’s finished his qualification, he aspires to open his own butcher shop so that he can mentor the next generation of apprentices.
Bailey Lowes
Qualification
Certificate III in Engineering — Mechanical Trade
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Goldenfields Water County Council
Region
Riverina Region
-
Bailey Lowes was ready for a change of careers; after climbing the ranks in a different industry he needed some new challenges and unfamiliar environments. Bailey found his place within the world of fitting and machining, and it was the sense of achievement he felt at completing big projects that propelled him through his studies. During his apprenticeship, Bailey honed his skills and was able to contribute to exciting projects like the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge. He thrives in collaborative settings, often showcasing machinery and techniques to local students during career days; an experience he finds incredibly fulfilling.
His recent triumph, securing a place to compete in Fitting at WorldSkills, has only intensified his passion for the trade. Committed to sharing his journey and insights, Bailey is inspiring others to explore skilled trades and discover their own meaningful career paths.
Daniel Stephens
Qualification
Certificate III in ESI — Distribution Overhead
Trained by
Essential Energy
Employed by
Essential Energy
Region
Western NSW Region
-
Daniel Stephens has found his career path as a linesman after completing his apprenticeship at Essential Energy. He decided to make a change in career direction at 38 and seized the opportunity to pursue work in the power industry while balancing all of the responsibility that comes with having a young family. Through his commitment to training and development, Daniel has set himself up for long-term success in an incredibly important industry.
Daniel's apprenticeship has not only led to personal growth but has allowed him to make positive impacts on numerous regional and remote communities, particularly through natural disasters and outages, where getting the power back on makes an immense difference for both individuals and businesses. Daniel considers the trades industry to be the gateway to everything else, and he's found his place in a career where problem-solving, teamwork, and safety are paramount. His practical skills and structured learning from industry professionals have equipped him with the ability to work anywhere, and he knows he is helping regional Australia to thrive.