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    TAFE NSW Randwick | 26 October 2026

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    Gabby taps into a new plumbing career with an apprenticeship

    ‘My TAFE NSW experience has been great. I’m learning so much and I love the fact I can go one day a week and get paid to learn.’

    Gabby Snell, TAFE NSW Randwick plumbing student

    TAFE NSW Randwick is helping train more women to become plumbers. A record number of female apprentices are studying at the campus. This is as the industry needs more skilled workers to meet demand.

    Former bartender Gabby Snell is one of a growing number of women choosing plumbing. She swapped hospitality work for a plumbing apprenticeship.

    Women still make up a small part of the plumbing workforce. Master Plumbers Australia say more women are needed to help fill skills shortages in the trade.

    TAFE NSW student Gabby Snell stands outdoors on a paved pathway with hands on her hips, wearing a navy-blue collared shirt. Gabby is smiling and facing the camera. She has dark shoulder-length hair and visible tattoos on one forearm. A grassy area, trees and a blurred waterfront or coastline are visible in the background under an overcast sky. The image is a waist-up portrait with natural outdoor lighting.

    Gabby Snell, 26, worked in tourism and hospitality before starting her plumbing apprenticeship. She completed a Diploma of Tourism and Travel Management in New Zealand before changing careers.

    The Petersham resident grew tired of hospitality hours. She accepted work as a delivery driver with plumbing supplier Reece. Visits to work sites and conversations with plumbers sparked her interest in plumbing. A customer eventually offered her work as a plumbing labourer.

    Gabby quickly fell in love with the practical, problem-solving nature of the job. She worked as a labourer for six months before securing an apprenticeship. Gabby then realised her dream of moving to Australia.

    Gabby is now a third-year apprentice with BJT Plumbing and Drainage. She attends TAFE NSW Randwick one day a week during term. She is learning the practical skills and knowledge required for her trade. “I couldn’t be happier being a plumber,” Gabby said. “It’s something different every day. It’s satisfying to know I’m physically doing something and helping people at the same time.”

    TAFE NSW Randwick Plumbing Head Teacher Jon Brennan said more women are choosing plumbing as a career. Gabby is part of that growing trend.

    “It's great to see more women choosing plumbing as a career and bringing their skills and enthusiasm to the industry,” Mr Brennan said. “This is the largest cohort of female plumbers we’ve had at TAFE NSW Randwick.”

    “Plumbing offers secure employment, excellent earning potential and the chance to make a real difference in the community. At TAFE NSW, we're focused on giving apprentices the practical, job-ready skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace,” Mr Brennan said.

    Media enquiries only: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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