21-year-old TAFE NSW Campbelltown engineering student, Tayla Adcock is proving that Western Sydney’s infrastructure, energy and construction boom is not just a job for men.

A catalyst for employment growth, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a key employer for apprentices like Ms Adcock, providing around 11,000 jobs in construction, engineering and professional services.[1]

Studying a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Heavy Fabrication) at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, the Mittagong local is currently working as a second year apprentice boilermaker at Camden Engineering.

Ms Adcock said, “My interest in the industry began when I completed the engineering pre-apprenticeship program with My Gateway. This program saw me spend one day a week at TAFE NSW Campbelltown engaging with different trades which gave me a taste of both the fitting machining side and the fabrication welding side, and showed me that this was an industry that I wanted to work in.”

After completing the My Gateway program, Ms Adcock decided to commence an apprenticeship as a boilermaker and hasn’t looked back since.

“I love studying the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Heavy Fabrication) at TAFE NSW Campbelltown because I learn the logic behind why and how things are done the way they are and the practical skills that I can then take back to work.

“One of the things I enjoy most about my job is seeing something that I’ve been working on come together. Looking at something and knowing that I had a part in making it gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction in my work and really is the reason why I love my job.”

TAFE NSW Campbelltown, Head Teacher of Engineering Trades, Eddy Zussa praises Ms Adcock for her work, “Tayla is a real asset to the industry. She is passionate about what she does and is great at it. It’s good to see more females like Tayla choosing to study engineering at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and pursuing careers in and industry which is on a growth trajectory.”

While women make up only 24 per cent of apprentices and trainees in NSW[2], Ms Adcock encourages other females to not underestimate themselves.

“At first it can be hard to adjust to working in a male dominated industry, but I’ve learnt as long as you do a good job and put the most in every day, no one can question your place in the trade.”

To find out more about studying engineering at TAFE NSW Campbelltown visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0412 478 415, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au