“Since I was six, I’ve always said I want to be a tradie with a red ute and a dog in the back. And I just stuck to that.”

Madison Grimsey is now 20. She has a white ute, is in her fourth year as an apprentice carpenter and recently took home the Gippsland Apprentice of the Year – Junior Apprentice Award at the Master Builder Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards. She also has a dog, but he’s not allowed on the work site.

“I have no idea where that vision came from. I’d just be driving past houses as a kid and I wanted to be up on the roof or setting up trusses or building the walls – I wanted to understand what the process was,” Maddie said.

Her apprenticeship journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Early on, Maddie struggled to find the right fit with her host employers. Generational differences in communication styles and work expectations made the transition into the industry a little tougher than she anticipated.

“My first employer was a really good guy and it was good to learn from him in the beginning, but we didn’t always see things on the same level. Communication was a bit harder, and that made learning a bit tricky,” Maddie said.

A second placement looked promising, but the business was forced to downsize due to the impact of COVID. With support from AGA (part of the IntoWork Group), she was placed with a third employer who she remains with today. Maddie said she’s grateful to her AGA Apprentice &E mployment Consultant, Craig Binotto, for helping her find her way.

“Craig’s really easy to talk to. Any time I was struggling with anything, he was able to show me the path I’m supposed to be on and guide me through it. He helped me understand what was going on and what my options were,” she said.

It was a proud and moving moment when Maddie accepted her Regional Apprentice of the Year award. She hopes the recognition will send a message to other young women following a similar path.

“It means a lot. And I hope it means something to some of the other girls out there who are just starting out. My rocky little start shows that it won’t necessarily be easy, but you can get through it, you just need a bit of help along the way.”

Now settled in her trade, Maddie is enthusiastic about the future and passionate about encouraging more young women into carpentry. “I think girls have a little bit more of an eye for detail – certain little things that guys don’t always pick up on. Particularly with high end, fancy builds where everything’s sparkly and perfect, I think having a girl’s perspective and opinion can help in so many ways,” she said.

The heart of Maddie’s childhood dream remains intact. She’s building those walls, building skills, and quietly helping build a future in which more young women feel welcome on the worksite and keen to leave their mark.

“Girls can do it. Whether you’re big or small, young or old – with the right mindset, any girl can do it.”

Pictured: AGA Apprentice & Employment Consultant, Craig Binotto with Madison Grimsey