When Amber Leyshan deferred her teaching degree and took on a management role in the trades department at Bunnings, she didn’t expect it would lead to a career in engineering and fabrication.
Inspired by the tradies she worked alongside, Amber applied for an engineering and fabrication apprenticeship with AGL at Loy Yang Power Station, enrolling in a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking) at TAFE Gippsland.
“I am so glad that I decided to take the leap and apply,” Amber said. “It was a big shift from what I originally planned, but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.”
Entering a male-dominated industry wasn’t without its challenges.
“As a young woman in a male-dominated trade, I initially felt out of place,” she said. “But with support from TAFE teachers, hands-on experience and encouragement from colleagues, I developed confidence and technical expertise.”
Amber went on to master advanced welding techniques, mentor new apprentices and step into leadership responsibilities. In 2025, she was named Apprentice of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards, recognising her outstanding achievement across all aspects of her trade.
Amber Leyshan with the TAFE Gippsland crew at the Victorian Training Awards in 2025.
She also received the Community Impact Award at TAFE Gippsland’s inaugural Education Awards in Sale and has become a passionate advocate for women in trades, raising awareness of non-traditional career pathways.
“A highlight of my apprenticeship journey was participating in an International Women’s Day video alongside a female CEO and a STEM teacher,” Amber said. “It strengthened my connection to TAFE Gippsland as an inclusive, empowering educational environment.”
Amber’s drive to excel has seen her gain additional welding certifications, win the WorldSkills Gippsland Regional competition and achieve the highest welding score in Victoria.
Since completing her apprenticeship, Amber has transitioned into the casual workforce, undertaking roles with Programmed at Loy Yang Mine and Gippsland NDT.
“These roles have given me valuable exposure to weld testing and quality assurance, while also keeping me on the tools for project work,” she said. “It’s helped me build confidence and further develop my skills as a young tradesperson.”
Her momentum continues. Amber has been nominated for the Early Career Skills Champion Award at the upcoming 7News Young Achiever Awards, is featured as a role model on LinkUp Careers connecting students with industry professionals and will attend the WorldSkills Skills Excellence Forum in Perth in March.
With her sights set on the future of new energy, Amber hopes to work on wind turbine projects, complete offshore pressure welding and gain international experience.
“My goal is to expand my expertise across different areas to become a versatile, future-ready professional,” she said. “I’d highly recommend taking up an apprenticeship. It changed my life.”