We’re thrilled to share that PEER electrical apprentice and Ambassador, Isabella LaVista, has been featured in the latest HiViZ newsletter by Master Builders SA. In this inspiring interview, Isabella shares her journey into the trades, how she’s breaking down barriers for women in construction, and what motivates her to succeed.

As a PEER Ambassador, Isabella plays a key role in promoting trade careers to young people, particularly women, through school visits, public speaking, and mentoring. Her passion for the industry and her commitment to helping others make her a standout role model in the VET sector.

Read her full story below.

Source: Master Builders SA HiViZ Interview – Isabella Lavista

How to Be Rising Star and Tradeswoman of the Year

“My favourite moment at work was towards the end of my first year, I was running cables for damper actuators with my supervisor, Chris Errington, when he turned to me and said he’d put his nomination in for me as PEER apprentice of the year. He explained that he was impressed with my work ethic that he enjoyed working with me as I had a positive attitude and a drive that he hadn’t seen in many young workers. As a first year, I felt validated and proud of my work, as I was still learning and had a lot of self-doubt about whether I was doing a good job at work. This motivated me to work harder as I realised how much more I could accomplish if I put my mind to it.

 

Receiving feedback from someone you respect and look up to at work is validating and as women we are emotional creatures, we like to hear it and feel it. Whilst my male colleagues show their appreciation in playful jokes, hearing the words resounded with me more. I don’t feel what I do is extra, I just show up, do the job I’m told to do and do my best, but from what I’m learning there are lots of people out there that do the bare minimum.”

Are you comfortable with being a role model for others thinking of doing a trade?

“Absolutely. I strongly believe that if I can help others feel comfortable doing a trade by sharing my experience and being someone, they can relate to, then I am being the person in someone else’s life that I wish I had when I was considering becoming an apprentice. You can’t be what you can’t see, and I want to be seen by young girls and women so they know they can do a trade too.”

Closing statement from Isabella;

“I never planned to enter a trade; I was scared I’d be treated badly. I’m not treated badly but I am treated differently, just for being a woman. While more doors are opening for women in construction, the real change needs to happen on-site, with the men we work beside every day.

 

I’m constantly asked what it’s like to work in a male-dominated industry and honestly, I’m over it. Especially when it comes from men. What I’d rather see is more awareness around how to build better team dynamics, treat people fairly, and recognise the strengths women bring to the table.

 

Management often gets it, but the biggest culture shift needs to happen on the job sites. That’s where the outdated attitudes linger, and that’s where change matters most.”

Interviewer: Tahlia Cross – HiViZ Committee Member

“The luncheon was a great networking event where I met so many amazing and inspiring people in the industry with the same burning passion for women in trade that I have. But I realised something as I was leaving the venue that day – we need to grow out of the industry and get the message out into society that girls can not only do a trade but also thrive in a trade. I want to make a difference so we can achieve the norm of ‘people in trade’ instead of ‘women in trade’.”

PEER is excited to announce that Joseph Prior, our PEER Ambassador and Electrical Apprentice, will be participating in the National Apprentice Employment Network’s ‘Today’s Skills: Tomorrow’s Leaders’ (TSTL) program. This initiative gathers exceptional apprentices and trainees from across Australia.

Joseph is among 25 promising participants set to embark on an intensive career development program aimed at nurturing their leadership skills. All attendees are recognised as emerging leaders in various fields, including electrical, business, plumbing, health, project management, and automotive.

The week-long residential program will take place in Canberra from 3-8 November and will be officially launched by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC.

We’re thrilled for Joseph and look forward to the valuable skills and insights he will bring back from this program!

The PEER Team is thrilled to announce that Jordan Hocking, our PEER Ambassador and Refrigeration Apprentice, has been named a finalist for two prestigious industry awards.

Jordan is competing for the AMCA Apprentice of the Year Award, with the winner to be revealed on November 22 at the AMCA National Industry Excellence Awards in Adelaide. He is also nominated for the AIRAH Student of the Year – Trade Award, with results announced on November 21 at the AIRAH Awards in Melbourne.

This remarkable recognition showcases Jordan's exceptional talent and commitment. We would like to extend our gratitude to his host employer, Tony Whitehair from T&S Refrigeration, for his invaluable support.

We congratulate Jordan on this incredible achievement and wish him the best of luck at both awards ceremonies.