Jess is lighting the way for women in electrotechnology

Balancing part-time teaching at Chisholm, raising two young children and completing an associate degree, Jess is proving that careers in electrotechnology can evolve with every stage of life. A qualified electrician turned VET teacher, she is now using her industry experience to train future apprentices and show more women that technical trades are for everyone.

Jess didn’t always picture herself working in the electrical industry. After finishing high school, she spent several years in administration roles and a range of odd jobs before realising she didn’t want a career spent behind a computer screen. At 24, Jess made the bold move to try something completely different and enrolled in an electrical pre‑apprenticeship – a decision that would change her life.

Soon after, Jess secured an apprenticeship with a commercial electrical company. At the time, she was only the second woman the business had employed. During her six years there, the company continued to grow its female workforce, something Jess is proud to have been part of. As the first tradie in her family, Jess credits her parents’ support for giving her the confidence to step away from traditional career paths and pursue something hands-on and challenging. “I wanted a job that used both my mind and my body,” Jess says. “Electrical work really delivered that balance.”

After six years as a qualified electrician, Jess took a redundancy package and started her own electrical business in 2019. Not long after, COVID hit, and she relocated to the Mornington Peninsula. As her life changed with pregnancy and motherhood, Jess realised staying on the tools was no longer practical. However, she wasn’t ready to walk away from the trade she loved.

Determined to use her skills in a different way, Jess completed her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through Chisholm Online while pregnant. She balanced study, wedding planning and welcoming her daughter midway through the course. She later joined Chisholm as a VET teacher, delivering training to Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprentices.

Jess loves teaching, particularly the maths‑based subjects, and finds immense satisfaction in supporting the next generation of electricians. She hopes her presence helps challenge outdated perceptions of the industry.

Jess is committed to breaking down barriers and showing that the electrical trade is open to everyone. “Electricians can look like anyone,” she says. “It doesn’t matter who you are.”