Women in Trades: Skillinvest Carpentry Apprentice Takes Out Prestigious Awards!

It was a journey that began when Skye Jeschonek-Pride returned to Australia from a working holiday in Canada. A career change was on the cards, and it became clear that carpentry was the path she wanted to pursue. Having grown up around carpenters, Skye aspired to become a builder herself. Determined to make her dreams a reality, she embarked on a four-year trade apprenticeship that would lay the foundation for her to design her own building company from the ground up. In early 2019, Skye commenced her carpentry apprenticeship with her host employer D5 Building Group, a boutique residential construction firm in Melbourne that specialises in crafting exquisite homes at the high end of the market. Skillinvest delivered the Certificate III in Carpentry qualification through their highly successful on-the-job model. With the right components of the apprenticeship in place, and the support of her partner, family, and friends, Skye felt confident and equipped to make this work.

On May 11th, 2023, shortly after completing her apprenticeship, Skye received a tremendous honor. She was awarded the 2023 Victorian Apprentice of the Year-Developing Leader Award as well as the 2023 Metropolitan Region Developing Leader Award at the Master Builders Association of Victoria’s (MBAV) annual apprenticeship awards gala. Both Skillinvest and D5 Building Group, her training provider and employer respectively, nominated Skye for these prestigious awards. This recognition was the result of Skye’s continuous efforts throughout her apprenticeship. Skillinvest and D5 Building Group nominated her for first, second, and third-year achievement awards, acknowledging her ambition and leadership qualities. By her fourth year, Skye became eligible for statewide and regional awards, which were evaluated based on her application, portfolio, and a rigorous interview process with MBAV. At the awards night, held at Marvel Stadium in a glamorous event reminiscent of the AFL Brownlow Medal count, Skye’s name was called out as the recipient of these prestigious accolades. Overwhelmed with joy, Skye expressed, “When my name was announced, it was one of the best feelings. I pushed myself so hard to get to where I am today that to have that recognised by others meant the world to me.”

Historically, trades such as carpentry have been predominantly male-dominated industries, with fewer women participating. However, this trend has been dramatically reversing in recent years. The perception of trades being “male-dominated” is being dismantled, and more women are pursuing and achieving great success in these fields. This shift is observed across various sectors, including building, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries that involve hands-on technicians and tradespeople.

As a young woman entering what was once considered a male-dominated industry, Skye felt the stigma at first and acknowledges that it needs to be shattered. She believes that change begins with our own mindsets. Skye emphasises, “It’s not the scary, threatening environment that everyone makes it out to be. Everyone is welcoming, pleasant, and helpful. If you find the right environment where respect is given to those who show up and work hard, it’s really no different from any other field.” Skye encourages young women who share her passion for trades to seize the opportunity, show dedication, and strive for excellence not only for themselves but also for others.

“There are always people who will help you achieve this.” Skye said.  “There will also be people who are not as supportive, but that’s no different to anyone in any field”. The best thing to do is to have a tight circle of friends (even if they don’t see your vision straight away), family, and work colleagues, show support to each other, boost each other up, and you can get through anything.”

Looking ahead, Skye is crystal clear about her future. She intends to pursue further education, obtain her Residential Building licence, and build her own off-grid sustainable home. As a recognised future leader and influencer in the building industry, Skye’s contributions are expected to be exceptional and will undoubtedly propel the industry forward. Skillinvest is thrilled to have played a part in Skye’s journey, and are confident that the future for women empowered to enter skilled trades has never looked better.

Skye Jeschonek-Pride’s success as a carpentry apprentice and her remarkable achievements in winning the 2023 Victorian Apprentice of the Year-Developing Leader Award and the 2023 Metropolitan Region Developing Leader Award exemplify the changing landscape of trades. Women are breaking barriers and excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields. Skye’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring women in trades, reminding them that with determination, support, and a strong work ethic, they too can achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their chosen industries.

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