SINGLETON’S Emma Gibson was recently named Woman in Non-traditional Trade Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious NSW and ACT Group Training Awards in Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The award recognised her outstanding performance and passion for developing her career in engineering which is generally considered a non-traditional industry for women.
Growing up on a small family property, Ms Gibson said she had always enjoyed the outdoors and, at a young age, developed an interest in cars, trucks, and machinery.
“My father is a fitter machinist by trade and from an early age I could be found in the shed with him asking questions and fascinated to learn more,” she explained.
“I enjoyed hands on projects and challenging myself to understand how things worked.
“I always admired my father’s knowledge in the trade and was inspired by both my hard working and supportive parents who taught me that I could achieve whatever it is I put my mind to.
“This cemented my decision to apply for a fitter machinist apprenticeship.”
During her Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade, the 23-year-old excelled in the area of machining and loved the challenge of the fine detailed work it provided.
She also shone in the theory and practical components of fitting while completing her studies at the HVTC Skills Centre.
The award tops off an illustrious four-year apprenticeship for Ms Gibson who was also named Woman in Non-traditional Trade Apprentice of the Year at the 2017 HVTC Excellence Awards, 2016 Hunter Manufacturing Awards’ Apprentice of the Year and was presented with a Tradesperson Scholarship at the 2015 National Association of Women in Construction Awards.
“While there are still some challenges facing women in non-traditional trades, I hope my success will inspire other women to defy stereotypes and chase their goals,” she said.
HVTC CEO Sharon Smith attended the NSW & ACT Group Training Awards and congratulated Ms Gibson on her achievements.
“We are very proud of Emma’s accomplishments, her focus on developing her skills and pursuing a career in engineering,” she said.
“Her success is an absolute credit to her, her host employer Select Plant Hire in Telarah and our dedicated and experienced staff.”
Ms Gibson was unable to attend the event in person, so HVTC field officer Kellie Marks accepted the award on her behalf.
