Not every career path is straight or straightforward. For Ashleigh Wainwright, the detours provided the best opportunities.
What began as a university teaching degree eventually led her to become an A-Grade electrician, working on major rail and construction projects before returning to education in a completely different way. Today, she combines technical expertise with a passion for developing others as a teacher at NECA Education & Careers.
Her story highlights the opportunities available through an electrical apprenticeship and demonstrates how a career in the trades can evolve into leadership, mentoring, and education.
Finding the right career path
Straight out of school, Ashleigh followed a traditional academic pathway by enrolling in a Teaching Degree at university. But after completing several teaching placements, she began to question whether it was the right fit.
“I realised I wanted to see what else life had to offer outside of the academic environment,” she explains.
It was during this time that she began looking for something different from her career, something more hands-on, fast paced and varied than the traditional path she had originally imagined.
Then came a simple suggestion from her partner: try a trade.
“At first, I thought it was a ridiculous idea,” she laughs. “I had never really seen women working as electricians, so it just didn’t feel like something people expected women to do.”
But as she learned more about the trade, she discovered it offered exactly what she was looking for: technical problem-solving, hands-on work, interaction with people and strong long-term career prospects.
“I thought I may as well give it a go.”
Starting an electrical apprenticeship – the reality
Like many people entering the electrical apprenticeship pathway, Ashleigh’s experience was varied.
“Some jobs were great, some jobs were not… overall, it has been exciting, plentiful, educative, and very fun.”
Her journey reflects the reality of working in the electrical industry in Australia, where no two jobs, sites or experiences are ever quite the same. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and constantly evolving.
As a young woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, she faced scepticism from both within the industry and her own personal circle. Some questioned whether trades were the right place for women, while others saw her as a “diversity hire”.
“It didn’t take long for me to prove my capability,” she says.
But learning to feel comfortable as herself within the industry was a different challenge entirely.
For a time, Ashleigh felt pressure to fit in by downplaying parts of her identity.
“It took a few years to realise I didn’t have to act like a man to be allowed to work in the industry.”
That shift in mindset became a defining moment both in her career, and her confidence.
Growing into leadership
Working as an A-Grade electrician across large-scale rail and construction projects, Ashleigh has seen firsthand how the electrical industry is evolving.
For much of her career, she was often the only woman on site. While that could be challenging at times, it also reinforced the importance of building confidence in her own abilities and finding her place within the industry.
“It’s always an enjoyable experience to see another woman when I rock up to a new job,” she says. “We tend to gravitate towards each other because we have similar banter.”
Along the way, Ashleigh learned that leadership isn’t always shaped by formal titles or programs. While she never had a formal mentor, many colleagues shared advice, skills and practical lessons that continue to influence her work today.
“I’ve had many of my work colleagues over the years give good pieces of advice and share skills that still impact my work today.”
Those experiences helped shape her approach to leadership, collaboration and supporting others entering the industry.
While teaching has become her next career step, developing as a leader began long before she entered the classroom. Prior to becoming an electrician, Ashleigh held management roles in retail, gaining valuable experience working with people and leading teams.
To transition into training, she completed the required Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE), but credits NECA Education & Careers’ EDGE Program with helping her further develop the skills needed to become an effective trainer.
“The EDGE Program is where I learned a lot more about how to be the best trainer I could be.”
Today, those experiences come together in her role as a teacher, where technical expertise, leadership and a passion for helping others learn all play an important part.
Leadership in trades – more than a title
Leadership has always been part of Ashleigh’s journey, but her perspective on it challenges traditional ideas of what it means to be “in charge”.
“A good leader isn’t a dictator,” she says.
Instead, she sees leadership as something active and shared such as leading from the front, supporting others, and working alongside your team.
In an industry where strong leadership is critical – from job sites to classrooms – these qualities are becoming increasingly important.
“There is no destination in leadership, just a journey of showing up and keeping an open mind.”
From electrician to educator – extending her career pathway
Today, Ashleigh has combined her background in education with her electrical expertise in her role as a teacher at NECA Education & Careers.
“I enjoy sharing knowledge in fun and exciting ways and finding new ways to explain something when it doesn’t click the first time.”
Her transition demonstrates that an electrical apprenticeship can lead to a wide range of career pathways, including education, mentoring, and leadership.
Through programs like NECA E&C’s EDGE Program, electricians can explore pathways beyond the tools and contribute to the future of the industry through education.
Why representation matters in the electrical industry
For many women considering a trade career, the biggest barrier is often visibility.
When Ashleigh began her apprenticeship, she was often the only woman in the room and that’s something that can make entering the industry feel daunting.
Now, as a teacher, she has the opportunity to help change that experience.
“I am excited to help women apprentices feel like they belong… they aren’t the odd one out.”
Seeing women in teaching, mentoring and leadership positions within the industry helps broaden perceptions of who belongs in the trade and who can lead within it.
It sends an important message to the next generation entering the industry: technical expertise, leadership, and mentoring are not defined by gender.
Advice for women considering an electrical apprenticeship
Ashleigh’s advice to young women exploring how to become an electrician is simple and direct:
“Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve to be where you are.”
She encourages women not just to become electricians, but to feel confident bringing their full selves into the trade.
As more women step onto worksites, into classrooms and into leadership positions, the industry is continuing to broaden its understanding of what successful leadership and expertise can look like.
“Show up as yourself… your differences are your superpowers. Harness them.”
The future of electrical careers
As the industry evolves, so too do the opportunities available within it. Electricians are pursuing careers that extend far beyond the tools, stepping into training, mentoring and leadership roles that help shape the future of the profession.
Ashleigh’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when people are open to sometimes unexpected opportunities. From an aspiring teacher to an A-Grade electrician and now an educator, she has built a career that combines technical expertise, leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed.
As more women enter the industry, people like Ashleigh will continue to inspire the next generation to see the trades not just as jobs, but as pathways to leadership, learning and meaningful careers.
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If you’re interested in stepping off the tools and into the classroom 👉Apply to our EDGE Program via Seek.