Taylah-Anne's story

A perfectionist with a creative side, Taylah-Anne Kane knew she wanted to pursue a trade career

But the Chisholm alumni explains she had some apprehension when it came to starting an apprenticeship. “An apprenticeship was something I always wanted to do, and had in the back of my mind, but being a female I wasn't sure how it was going to go,” she says.

During her apprenticeship and throughout trade school, Chisholm trade teachers recognised Taylah’s high level of skill and craftsmanship. Taylah was nominated for the Master Builders of Victoria awards and won her category of Apprentice of the Year – Joinery.  

Taylah says even being nominated was a “big achievement”. “I couldn’t believe it when I won my category. It confirmed that I had chosen the right career path.”  

Now fully-qualified and working in the industry, Taylah says she loves her joinery career and particularly enjoys stair-building, as she is detail oriented and loves to make sure her work is “millimetre perfect”. “Working in a trade keeps you on your toes and you're always problem solving. I also love putting everything together and seeing the final product.” 

Working with like-minded people makes work interesting, and Taylah says she feels a great sense of achievement when she sees her projects completed. “It’s a niche industry and I love working with my hands. Each day brings a new challenge.”  

Taylah says she encourages other women considering an apprenticeship to take the leap, as she did.

“There is so much opportunity within the trades industry and being a woman shouldn’t hold you back from the career you’ve always wanted,” she says. 

“There has been so much change within in the trade industry. As a female I’ve felt supported by my employer and throughout my apprenticeship at Chisholm.”