Clea White is determined to be a future business owner.

Clea is a third-year apprentice at Chisholm who is well on her way to completing the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry.

When Clea first started attending her classes, she was nervous about being wrong or giving incorrect answers. Now, Clea has found confidence and isn’t afraid of making mistakes.

“Don’t hold back! Stand up for what you think is right. Put your input in and have a go.”

Clea befriended another female student in her class, which fostered strong comradeship. She has really enjoyed “keeping up with the boys” and rising to the occasion in the classroom.

Clea notes that she is well respected in class by her peers, oftentimes leading group activities and contributing to collaborative tasks. Clea has discovered that she’s able to do “everything and more” that her male colleagues can do on the job site and has no issues with giving anything a go.

“I’m really challenged at TAFE. My teachers push me to think outside of the box and encourage me to guide other students by explaining what we’re learning and putting it into practice,” she says.

Looking forward, Clea is excited to finish up her apprenticeship so she can kick even more goals. She’s keen to get started on her Certificate IV in Building and Construction, so she can become a registered builder through the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

“I want to own my own business one day. I want to be a good role model to all the young girls coming through, to see a female builder out there doing her own stuff,” says Clea. “I do carpentry for myself, and I love it, so why not share that and start my own building company?”

Clea’s determination, passion, and work ethic have certainly played a big part in her success both in carpentry and industry influencing. She’s completing her third year with the following outlook:

“It’s just about getting out there and having a go and showing everyone, I can do it.”