An electrical apprentice with a bright future
Meet Shayla, an electrical apprentice building a bright future through realworld experience and hands-on learning, guided by Bradken’s highly skilled and experienced tradepeople. Shayla began her apprenticeship at our foundry in Wodonga, Australia in May 2023 after realising her passion lay beyond traditional work settings.
“Office work never really engaged me,” Shayla says. “I’ve always been most fulfilled in hands-on roles that allow me to learn by doing.”
Resilient and self‑driven, with a strong desire to learn and prove her capabilities, Shayla sees her apprenticeship as more than just a career pathway. For her, it’s an opportunity to solve problems, challenge expectations and grow every day in a dynamic work environment.
“I enjoy the daily challenges that come with being a sparky (an Australian slang term for an electrician),” she says. “Working at Bradken, every task feels like a puzzle that needs solving and every day offers something new to learn, which makes the work interesting, rewarding and enjoyable.” Read on to hear more from Shayla.
Quick facts about Shayla:
- Current Role: Apprentice Electrician
- Joined Bradken: 2023
- Bradken location: Wodonga, Victoria
- Hometown: Tatura, Victoria
- Hobbies: Gardening, fishing and spending time at home with her animals
- Three words to describe Bradken: Dynamic, evolving and hands-on
Finding the right path
Before joining Bradken, Shayla worked as a motor rewinder (a specialised technician who repairs electric motors). While the role introduced her to electrical work, it also helped her realise she wanted broader exposure in the field and deeper technical learning.
“When I decided to make a change, I started applying for apprenticeships online. I connected with the Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre who introduced me to Bradken and supported me through the process.”
Since starting her apprenticeship, Shayla says no two days have looked the same. Her mornings begin early - around 5:45am - with shift handover and completing any follow‑up tasks from the outgoing night shift, but from there, the workload for each day unfolds differently depending on operational needs.
“If there’s an equipment breakdown, I assist with fault finding and repairs alongside my supervisor,” she says. “On quieter days, I’ll help with planned maintenance or project work. When I have the chance, I focus on developing my skills by practicing electrical drawings or wiring simulated switchboards with the guidance of the A‑grade electricians we have at site.”
Power-ful learning
Building on this broad exposure to different tasks and environments, Shayla’s apprenticeship has been shaped by Bradken’s focus on learning and commitment to early career development.
“I’ve developed a strong set of practical electrical skills,” Shayla says. “What I’m most proud of is how these skills have come together to strengthen my confidence and capability as an electrician.” As her experience has grown, so has her understanding of the trade itself.
“One of the most interesting things I’ve learned is just how complex and powerful the electrical trade really is,” she explains. “Understanding the processes involved in delivering power to machinery and seeing how every component works together has been eye-opening.” This growing awareness has also reinforced the importance of safety and risk management in everything she does.
Shayla credits Bradken’s on-the-job training model and strong mentorship for supporting her development. Working under the supervision of experienced electricians and alongside trade experts from other industry fields, she receives ongoing guidance, feedback and encouragement to ensure she continues progressing safely and confidently.
One example of her learning in action included installing batten lighting in a shed, incorporating a two‑way switching system to control lighting from multiple locations. She has also wired and terminated a switchboard to supply and control safety strobe lighting for site gates, ensuring correct circuit protection, isolation and compliance with electrical standards.
Support from mentors has been a constant throughout her apprenticeship. “Whenever I faced a challenge, I knew who to approach for advice and assistance,” Shayla says. “Their guidance has helped me improve my understanding of electrical systems and develop my skills safely on real work tasks.” That support, she says, has been invaluable in helping her gain confidence and continue growing as a tradesperson.
As I near the end of my apprenticeship, I can truly see the value in the wide range of experiences Bradken has provided me along the way… I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, professionally and personally.
- Shayla
Standing out, fitting in
As her confidence has continued to grow, Shayla has also found opportunities to learn and thrive within Bradken’s maintenance team. “Being the only woman in a mostly male maintenance team has been challenging at times, but it has also been incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Supported by a team with a great mix of personalities and an inclusive team culture, Shayla has been able to back herself, demonstrate her skills and form strong professional relationships, reinforcing that Bradken is a place where diverse perspectives are valued and people are encouraged to thrive.
Proud of the journey
Reflecting on her apprenticeship so far, Shayla says it’s the accumulation of everyday experiences that stands out most to her.
“From troubleshooting faults and completing projects, to learning to work with different equipment, systems and people… it all adds up,” she says.
“As I near the end of my apprenticeship, I can truly see the value in the wide range of experiences and opportunities Bradken has provided me along the way. These moments have shown me how much I’ve learned, boosted my confidence, and made me feel valued for the progress I’ve made throughout my training. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how each of those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, professionally and personally.”
When thinking about the future, Shayla’s focus is firmly on continuing to develop her skills and knowledge. “My goal is to become a highly skilled tradesperson who takes pride in delivering safe, reliable work,” she says. “I want to keep challenging myself and learning every day.”
With a little time still to go until she completes her training Shayla is keen to expand her knowledge in PLC programming (creating specialised, instruction-based code for a Programmable Logic Controller to automate industrial processes, such as machinery control, assembly lines, and robotics) and different power systems - skills that will support her long‑term career in electrical maintenance.
When asked what advice she’d give to others considering an apprenticeship at Bradken, her response is clear - “Come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn every day.”
“Be reliable, be curious, ask all the questions, be open to feedback, take safety seriously and be proud of even your smallest accomplishments - professionalism and effort make a strong impression and help you build trust with your team.”
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