How Alex is lighting the way for women in electrotechnology

Amping up her journey in electrotechnology, Alex has her sights set on her next steps – and they’re here at VU.

“I’d love to do my apprenticeship here at VU too. My friends that I know that are electricians have all studied here. I don't think I even know anyone that's gone anyone anywhere else. 

“VU was always just the one: I knew it would be the right place to go, and that there’d be people here to support me.

“I’m really enjoying my course. Even when it gets challenging – it’s really rewarding. And in the future when it’s difficult, I'm still going to keep trying and ask for help when needed.”

For Alex, it’s a big change in environment from high school. But with support easy to find, as well as a hands-on style of learning, it’s one that suits her well.

“All the teachers are really supportive, like my teachers Nick and Adam. They don't make you feel bad for not knowing something, which is my biggest thing, because I didn’t like high school. 

“I didn't really feel supported whatsoever with my teachers [in high school]. And I was learning stuff that I didn't really care about, sitting up the back with no interest, whereas here, I actually want to come in and learn and ask questions. Now I'm really enjoying coming to school. 

“The wiring prac that we've done today was one of the best things ever. I had a really good time doing it, and it was so hands-on. 

“We get to collaborate with each other. We get to actually work, and actually get something out of it, have a final product to say: yeah, I did that, and it worked.” 

With her Cert II covered under the free TAFE program, Alex knows that not having to pay a tuition fee for the course means greater access and a diversified industry.

“It’s amazing that VU can offer fee-free TAFE. I believe it not only allows so many more people to get into a trade, but also depicts the point of difference that VU has. 

“VU allows people from all walks of life to come and try something new, and give whatever they would like a go. 

“Not only allowing those who are underprivileged and may not be able to afford full tuition fees, but also allowing women who may have been deterred from going into the trade due to costs or stereotypes to have a go.”

Gender imbalance within trades is no new story – but it is a tide that’s slowly starting to turn, with nearly 80% more women training as apprentices now in male-dominated trades. Alex is forging a place for herself in an industry ready for change.

“One of the main things for me when I started was being treated the same, not being singled out for being a woman. We're all on the same level here, we're all trying to reach the end goal. 

“I like the fact that I'm able to do the same things that males have always been known to do, and I can do it just as well. It's just crazy to me that more women aren't in trade.

“I hope the Free TAFE program encourages more women to do a Certificate II. The course allows for an insight into how the industry really is – and it helps women to gain the courage after completing their Certificate II to work within it. 

Now with the confidence and certainty that she’s on the right path, Alex spoke on what her advice would be to a young woman dreaming of entering trades. 

“Just go for it, because you're not losing anything. And there are so many trades that you can try out, as many as men do.

As women in trades, we won’t be stopped. It's a male dominated industry now – but women can change that. If you're interested in a trade, do it. I guarantee you there's going to be another girl there in class.

"And in the future, I hope there are so many more girls and women in the industry. Because we need them.”

Ready to jump into your electrical career? Apply for your Certificate II in Electrotechnology now. 

Apply now

Want to discover more about how VU support women like Alex? 

Hear from our VU community, and learn how our close industry partnerships allow us to champion female students across all our trades courses.

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