11 July 2019

A woman has joined the ranks of electrotechnology teachers at TAFE NSW Wollongong and she is sparking inspiration in her students to broaden their career horizons.

Leonie Davies is the only female electrotechnology teacher at TAFE NSW Wollongong, and a bit of a rarity among electricians particularly in her previous workplaces of heavy industry and mining sites.

“I don’t see it as being any different to being a male teacher,” Ms Davies said.

“I’ve worked as an electrician in the industry for 10 years, I just see it as my job. I just go to work and that’s what it is.

“My industry experience is current and recent and it means I can give real examples of situations where I have used the techniques I’m teaching my students.

“I bring things from my work in the industry to show the students, particularly new tools, technology and techniques. We cover older techniques and procedures as well as the most up to date, that way my students can be as confident working on the wiring in an old home as a modern site.

“I love being an electrician, as a TAFE NSW teacher I get to pass on all my experience.

NSW Government figures show Ms Davies is among the 2.7 per cent increase in NSW women working in trades between 1987 and 2017. [i]

Ms Davies career began with an electrical apprenticeship in Port Kembla and has always worked in large industrial, mining and construction sites.

“I did four years as a fly-in-fly-out worker on Curtis Island and in Darwin working on gas plants. It was all excellent experience.”

“The students are interested in the work I have done and what my experience is,” she said.

While working locally she went to an information night about becoming a teacher at TAFE NSW.

Now, a little over a year later, she is calling on her industry experience to create engaging classes for Certificate III Electrotechnology students at TAFE NSW Wollongong.

“Everything TAFE NSW electrotechnology students learn, will give them a good grounding in the industry basics, and then they can go into so many different fields.

“I hope I have a positive influence on the students’ careers, this qualification can take them around the world.”

For more information about studying at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 4421 9895, mobile 0466 375 552.