A Dubbo teen blazing a trail in the male-dominated electrical trade has urged other Central West young women to consider a career in the booming industry and help redress a gaping gender imbalance.
Molly Mayall, 19, was always drawn to a hands-on career but had little interest in pursuing more traditionally female trades, such as hairdressing.
While completing Year 11 at Dubbo College Senior Campus, Ms Mayall got an early start on her trade career through a TAFE NSW-delivered TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) electrical course. The program enables senior high school students to study vocational qualifications alongside their HSC, attending TAFE NSW while still at school.
Now a second-year apprentice with Dubbo’s Chill-Rite Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Ms Mayall is part of a small but growing band of female electricians.
Women make up just 3-4 per cent of electricians in Australians but the number of women employed in electrical trades nationally has increased by around 65 per cent since 2020, according to industry data from the Powering Skills Organisation.
Despite the paucity of females in the trade and having no tradies in her family, Ms Mayall said a more “blokey” trade always appealed to her.
“Uni was never on the cards for me and I love problem solving and being hands-on, so I thought being a sparky might be the way to go,” she said.
“There’s always this idea that if a female wants to go into the trades, it should be in something like hairdressing but the world is changing and I’m proud to be a female electrician.
“The blokes on the worksite treat me as an equal and I love the satisfaction of looking back on a job well done.”
A representative AFL player, Ms Mayall attends TAFE NSW Dubbo – Myall Street campus for three days every three weeks during term to hone her hands-on skills and knowledge.
“It’s a really good mix of practical workshops and theory,” she said. “The teachers are so experienced and always to keen to help if you’re struggling with something.”
TAFE NSW Dubbo Team Leader of Electrotechnology Stuart Bailey said Ms Mayall was a powerful illustration of the career opportunities available in electrotechnology.
“The electrical trade has long been male-dominated, but we’re seeing more women like Molly step up with real skill, determination, and passion,” Mr Bailey said.
“These students are not only technically capable, but they’re also role models for other young women who might be considering a trade.
“Electrotechnology is an exciting and evolving field, and the skills students learn here are the foundation for countless career paths, from domestic electrical work and automation to renewable energy and smart systems.”
Ms Mayall was rewarded for her commitment by last year winning the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating’s National Young Leader prize.
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