Ashtonfield local and TAFE NSW Newcastle student, Lucinda Shilcock is encouraging others to consider a rewarding career in electrotechnology as figures reveal a high demand for skilled trades people across NSW.

Lucinda is studying a Certificate III Electrotechnology and has secured a job as an Electrician with Carter and Osborne. She is part of a growing band of women making a mark in male-dominated trades.

Lucinda has overcome many challenges in her life including dyslexia and post-traumatic stress disorder and she credits TAFE NSW with providing her the support and encouragement needed to enable her to focus on her studies.

With only 1% of tradies being female, Lucinda said being a woman in a male-dominated industry has had its challenges but she has a fierce drive to succeed and her teachers have offered her every support.

“I’ve always been interested in understanding how things work so I’ve really excelled in this course,” Lucinda said.

Carter and Osbourne Project Manager Scott Day said “Lucinda is a true professional and her work is a positive reflection on the industry in general.” 

“We ensure our staff are trained by TAFE NSW because they provide first-class training and are the largest and most well-established training provider in the country.” 

TAFE NSW Electrotechnology teacher, Derek Bailey, said the Certificate III in Electrotechnology is a nationally accredited course which is fully subsidised under JobTrainer.

“Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in Electrotechnology with the Australian industry forecast to employ over 140,700 people by 2025,” Mr Bailey said.

“Students in the course will learn hands-on practical skills including installing wiring systems, connecting electrical circuits and solving problems related to electrical equipment.”

Electricians are among the most sought after occupations across the trades and services sector. They account for 48% of all new job ads in the NSW’s trades and service sector. 

“My advice to other females interested in pursuing a career in a male-dominated trade is to dive in and follow your passion. TAFE NSW has supportive teachers that are ready to help you launch your career,” said Lucinda.

Passionate about her job and her industry, Lucinda is excited for what’s to come. “It’s thrilling to work in an industry that is ever growing and changing. Society is heavily reliant on electricity, no matter what the source.”

For more information about TAFE NSW courses, please visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.  

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mediarelease@tafensw.edu.au