Female plumbing graduates a first for Federation TAFE

FEDERATION TAFE is celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to gender diversity in trades, with two apprentices becoming the first women to finish their plumbing qualifications.

Ebony Poole and Alyssa Lucas, who were in the same Certificate III in Plumbing cohort, have successfully completed their studies.

The organisation regards the result as an historic achievement and a “powerful” sign of progress in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Darren Gray, pro vice-chancellor VET and pathways and TAFE chief executive, said Federation is committed to creating inclusive pathways for all learners.

“It is encouraging to see more women enrolling and thriving in their trade careers and Federation TAFE is doing everything we can to ensure industry reflects society,” he said.

“We are always pushing for greater accessibility and inclusivity.

“We are proud to support women like Ebony and Alyssa who are breaking new ground.

“Their success reflects our mission to transform lives and enhance communities across the regions we serve.”

Ms Poole hopes to gain experience in an urban setting and work towards her plumbing licences, while Ms Lucas is considering starting her own business.

Ms Poole is a fourth-generation plumber from Derrinallum, who works alongside her father and younger brother in a business founded by her great-grandfather in 1917.

“Working in a regional area, I’m exposed to a wide variety of jobs, from historic homesteads to windmills on local farms,” she said.

“The variety and problem-solving of general plumbing is really appealing to me and keeps every day different.”

Ms Poole had started a university degree in primary teaching but found herself drawn to plumbing while helping her father during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“It wasn’t something that was ever really presented to me as an option in high school,” she said.

“But once I started working with Dad, I realised how much I enjoyed it.

“I changed direction and haven’t looked back.”

Ms Lucas, meanwhile, works at Ballarat Plumbing Services, and also took a non-traditional path into the trade. She was eager to leave school after finishing year 11, but her mother encouraged her to find full-time work first.

A family connection led to a trial with her current employer, and she soon began an apprenticeship.

“I was tossing up between becoming a sparky or a plumber,” she said.

“But plumbing just seemed more diverse – there’s roofing, drainage, sanitary work.

“You’re not doing the same thing every day and I love that.”

Federation TAFE is reporting a steady rise in female participation across its trade programs.

Female apprentices make up 3 per cent of plumbing enrolments this year, up from just 1 per cent in 2023.

The number of female participants in all trade programs has grown significantly, with notable increases in cabinet making, baking, engineering and electrotechnology.