A former Terrigal High School captain has traded university study for a career in plumbing, becoming part of a small but growing number of women entering the traditionally male-dominated trade.
Mackenzie Walker, 23, originally planned to pursue criminology after receiving a university scholarship, but reconsidered her career during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After taking casual work with a friend’s plumbing business, she discovered an interest in the practical and problem-solving aspects of the trade and later began a formal apprenticeship.
Ms Walker completed a Certificate III in Plumbing and Certificate IV in Plumbing Operations at TAFE NSW Wyong while developing her skills in the industry.
She completed her apprenticeship with AJC Plumbing before joining Watermen Group, where she was promoted to a management role in 2025.
Women remain significantly under-represented in plumbing. Jobs and Skills Australia data shows they account for about 3 per cent of the national plumbing workforce. The occupation employs around 107,600 people, with employment increasing by approximately 4,500 over the past year.
Ms Walker said practical training at TAFE NSW helped prepare her for the workplace and encouraged other women interested in plumbing to consider entering the industry.
“Being a great tradie has nothing to do with gender,” she said.
TAFE NSW Wyong plumbing head teacher Stephen Bird said more women were beginning to pursue plumbing apprenticeships locally, helping broaden the workforce as demand for skilled tradespeople continues.
Ms Walker hopes to eventually establish her own plumbing business.
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