Celebrating the success of QLD trades program

First Nations women in northern Queensland are helping flip the script on traditionally male dominated fields, opting for careers in hands-on industries and obtaining the qualifications along the way.

Female enrolment in apprenticeships at TAFE Queensland have swelled by 60 percent since 2018, balancing employment with their studies over three to fours years.

While it might come be a surprise to some, 19-year-old Torres Strait Islander woman Elisabeth Matters had her heart set on working with her hands since she was a kid.

The Townsville based apprentice carpenter is going down the route she'd always set out for herself.

"When I was younger, my dad used to have hobby projects and I used to always help him," Ms Matters said."

"It was really fun and sparked an interest in carpentry for me.

Working for construction company Ausco Modular, Ms Matters travels the state and welcomes a variety of day to day roles whilst jumping in and out of the classroom.

"I never thought I would be able to travel everywhere (for work)," she said.

"It's pretty fun and it's really exciting that I get to see new places.

"In the future, I see myself completing my apprenticeship, being a fully qualified carpenter and maybe that will lead to me being able to teach other apprentices and maybe doing a supervising job," she said.

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