From TAFE student to leading the next generation of engineers

For Maddie, the appeal of engineering has never really changed. What started as an interest has grown into a career she genuinely loves; “I still have a love for it and a real passion for it,” she says. Now in a Chisholm education leadership role, she’s using that experience to help students find their direction in a diverse and evolving industry.

After leaving school at 16, Maddie decided to complete an Advanced Diploma of Engineering, which led her into further study at university. It was a hands-on pathway that gave her direction early on and set the foundation for the career she continues to build today.

Teaching wasn’t something she had originally planned. In fact, stepping into the classroom at Chisholm was her first experience in education. The opportunity came after she applied for a different role and was encouraged to take that next step.

“I actually didn’t have my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) required for teaching,” she says. “I applied for another job, and Chisholm suggested it to me. So, I got my TAE and then came here to work, and I’ve stayed here ever since.” That moment changed everything. Within just two years of teaching, Maddie stepped into an education manager role, supported by her team to take the next step in her career.

Now working with students, she often encourages them to explore their options. For students interested in the industry, a Certificate II in Engineering can be a good starting point. Maddie often recommends this pathway to students who are still figuring out what direction to take. It gives them the chance to try different areas before committing to a longer course.

That flexibility reflects the nature of the industry itself; a multifaceted field, with a wide range of areas students can explore. From fabrication and welding to mechanical work, students build skills for a wide range of industries. That’s what makes it so appealing, the opportunity to work across a range of sectors, from food production to utilities companies like South East Water.

Ask Maddie what she enjoys most about working in the trade and she doesn’t hesitate “I love arc welding,” she says. “If you do it really well, the slag on top will just peel off - it’s really satisfying when you’ve done it right.”

That same sense of satisfaction now extends beyond the trade itself. While completing her studies, she was the only woman in her class. Now, she’s seeing more women step into engineering and it’s something she cares deeply about. “It can feel like a hard decision to make,” she says. “You don’t know what barriers you might come up against, so it takes a lot of courage.” Seeing female students make that choice, and back themselves, is something she doesn’t take lightly. “It just makes me really proud,” she says.

As an educator, Maddie is passionate about helping students prepare for the future. While the industry continues to evolve, with more automation and CNC technology, she believes the fundamentals still matter. A strong understanding of how things work remains important; without it, students don’t have the foundation needed to apply their skills effectively. For students, that mix of practical skills with real industry knowledge is key to being job ready.

Her advice for anyone considering engineering is simple. “Reach out to people around you and ask for support whenever you need it,” she says. “There’s so many people willing to help, you just have to ask.” It’s a mindset that’s shaped her own journey, one that started early, took a few unexpected turns, and continues to evolve.