Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by
Mas National
The Apprentice Who Refused to Take No for an Answer
When Alice Clarke decided to leave her hospitality job and pursue an electrical apprenticeship, she wasn't simply changing careers. She was choosing a very different future.
At just 20 years old, the Jindabyne local was ready for a new challenge. While hospitality had provided valuable experience, she wanted a career that offered greater variety, opportunities for growth and long-term prospects. Looking back, she has no doubts about the decision she made.
"It's the best decision I've ever made," Alice said. "It's given me more freedom, rather than feeling tied to the chaos and customers at the pub."
Like many people considering a career change, Alice faced uncertainty. However, there was an additional challenge. The electrical industry remains largely male dominated, and stepping into that environment required confidence, determination and a willingness to ignore the opinions of others.
The idea of becoming an electrician had been in the back of her mind for some time, but turning that idea into reality proved easier said than done.
"For example, a lot of people were saying 'good luck with that' or 'I can't believe you're a girl going into that'," Alice said.
Comments like these could easily have discouraged someone from taking the next step. Instead, they strengthened Alice's resolve. The next challenge was finding an employer willing to give her an opportunity and proving she had the skills, attitude and work ethic required to succeed.
Fortunately, the construction industry was not completely unfamiliar to her. Alice already had connections in the sector and her partner worked as a plumber, making the prospect of entering a trade feel achievable. With a clear goal in mind, she set her sights on Porter’s Power & Electrical Solutions, a business she already knew well.
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Rather than waiting for an opportunity to appear, Alice actively pursued one.
"I didn't stop nagging them for about a year," she admitted. "I was pretty persistent."
That persistence eventually paid off. After undertaking work experience with the business, Alice demonstrated a strong work ethic, enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn. Those qualities left a lasting impression and ultimately led to the offer of an electrical apprenticeship.
With support from Mas National, proudly part of the IntoWork Group, Alice was able to formalise her apprenticeship and make the transition into her new career with confidence.
Today, she works across a wide variety of projects including solar, residential, commercial and automation work. The diversity of the role is one of the aspects she enjoys most, particularly because every day presents a different learning opportunity. Solar has already become a favourite area of work and she has recently commenced further training through NECA.
The experience has also highlighted just how broad and varied the electrical industry can be.
"It's exciting," she said. "There's so much to learn. Pretty much every day is different. It's been quite eye-opening to see how much there is to it."
Perhaps most importantly, Alice's concerns about working in a male-dominated industry have largely disappeared. Rather than encountering barriers on site, she has found encouragement, mentorship and support from the people around her.
"The amount of support I get from the guys on site has been enormous," Alice said. "There are a few things that need brute strength, and I can't always match the boys. However, I have an eye for detail that they don't, which is definitely an advantage."
Her experience reflects a broader reality across many industries. Success is not determined by gender, but by attitude, commitment and the willingness to learn. Different people bring different strengths to the workplace, and those differences can be an asset.
With her apprenticeship well underway, Alice is excited about what lies ahead. She is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills, exploring new areas of the trade and building a long-term career in an industry that continues to challenge and inspire her.
Her journey serves as a reminder that the most rewarding opportunities often begin with a willingness to back yourself. Despite scepticism from others, Alice chose to pursue a career that interested her and remained persistent until someone gave her the chance to prove herself. In doing so, she opened the door to a future filled with opportunity, growth and purpose.
Zhofi Boglari-Davykoza
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Training Provider
TAFE NSW
Employer
Albury City Council
Region
Riverina
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Zhofi Boglari-Davykoza completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician with Albury City Council, demonstrating determination, professionalism, and productivity throughout her apprenticeship. Choosing a hands-on, practical learning pathway, Zhofi quickly impressed her team by delivering water and wastewater pumping assets with accuracy and efficiency.
She actively seeks opportunities to develop her leadership skills, volunteering on projects such as the Mandella Project and managing control switchboards for key pumping stations. Zhofi values the supportive, family-like environment at work and appreciates the work-life balance her trade offers.
Passionate about encouraging others into the industry, she speaks to school and TAFE students about the realities and rewards of an electrical apprenticeship. Her proactive attitude, reliability and pride in her work have earned the respect of colleagues and mentors alike.
Jack De Freitas
Qualification
Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead
Training Provider
Essential Energy
Employer
Essential Energy
Region
Western NSW
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Jack De Freitas completed a Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Overhead with Essential Energy, beginning his apprenticeship straight out of school. Drawn to a career that matched his interests, Jack enjoys working outdoors, solving problems, collaborating with his team and maintaining the highest safety standards.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Jack developed valuable technical skills and completed his qualification early despite significant challenges. He has played an important role in emergency response efforts, helping restore power and support communities during times of need. Jack has also expanded his expertise by obtaining truck and crane licences and completing leadership training, allowing him to take on greater responsibility within his team.
Passionate about the future of the industry, Jack is eager to support a shift to sustainable energy technologies, including renewable energy and battery storage. He takes pride in delivering an essential service, making a positive difference for the communities he supports, and continuing to develop his skills throughout his career.
Nikita Wells
Qualification
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Training Provider
TAFE NSW
Employer
Cooper & Co Hairdressing
Region
New England
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Nikita Wells completed her Certificate III in Hairdressing with Cooper & Co, building her skills and confidence in a fast-paced salon environment. Balancing structured study with hands-on experience, she has developed a strong technical ability, professionalism, and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences.
Driven by creativity and the opportunity to help clients feel confident, Nikita embraces every chance to learn and grow. Her apprenticeship has strengthened her communication, time management and teamwork skills, preparing her for a successful career in the industry.
Selected as a WorldSkills Australia NSW Ambassador, Nikita proudly represents vocational education and promotes apprenticeships to young people. She values the combination of practical training and formal learning, recognising the important role both have played in her development. Through her dedication, resilience and positive attitude, Nikita is committed to continually improving her craft while contributing to a supportive and inspiring salon culture.