From Try a Trade to school based apprentice

Tori on site, after successfully completing the IWIT Try-a-Trade workshop and starting a school-based apprenticeship

Earlier this year, Tori came along to one of our Try‑a‑Trade workshops after hearing about it through her school. She wasn’t locked into a plan — she just wanted to have a go, pick up some basics, and learn more about what trade pathways might look like after school.

During the workshops, Tori’s confidence grew. Getting hands‑on made a real difference. She started learning how to use tools properly, work safely, and understand what’s expected on site. She backed herself to try new things, ask questions, and get involved — the kind of confidence that only comes from doing.

That’s always been the point of Try‑a‑Trade: giving young people the chance to step into a trade space and see if it feels right.

At the workshop, Tori met one of the team from Brick and Block. The following week, she linked in with them and took part in their Lay The Way program — a hands‑on experience focused on bricklaying, site safety, and working in the industry. While there, Tori also completed her White Card, an important step for entering construction workplaces.

Along the way, Tori was supported by Tee, one of our skilled First Nations bricklaying tradies. Tee worked with her not just on skills, but on confidence — especially when it came to talking with employers, understanding workplace expectations, and learning how to carry herself on site. Those early conversations can be daunting, and having someone walk alongside you makes all the difference.

With that support behind her, Tori has now secured a school‑based apprenticeship.

What stands out about Tori’s story is how curiosity turned into a real pathway once the right people got behind her. When young people are given the space to learn, try, and build confidence — and when industry shows up — good things happen.

We’re looking forward to continuing to support Tori and staying connected as she keeps building her skills and finding her feet in the trade.

This is what happens when curiosity is met with the right people showing up and walking alongside you — doors open.

Tori won a toolkit from Indigenous Women in Trades after successfully completing the two-day Try-a-Trade workshops.

Tori, congratulations on a great start to your trade!