Like many apprentices and trainees, Cadie Doyle is breaking barriers and carving her own path in engineering, while gaining a career headstart through a school-based traineeship.
Her dedication, curiosity and a willingness to learn have rewarded her the 2025 WA School-based Apprentice of the Year by the WA Training Awards.
Here she chats to us about her studies, how her role helped her realise her dream career and her perspective on working in a male-dominated industry.
Can you tell us more about your role?
I am a school-based trainee (SBT) working towards a Certificate II in Engineering with my employer, Category 5 Labour Management, and host employer, BHP Rail. In this traineeship, I am doing engineering specifically in rail where I move through different departments to better grasp and gain experience of the trade.
How long have you been training with the company?
I have been a SBT for nearly 18 months and am nearing the end of my traineeship.
What made you decide to pursue an apprenticeship/traineeship?
Growing up, my father was extremely into motors, specifically vehicles, often working on them and letting me assist. Being around these machines and getting hands-on experience sparked my interest in a mechanical-based trade. Whilst in high school, I was exposed to metal fabrication and welding, which led me to develop a strong interest in metal fabrication, engineering and more specifically boiler making. Working as a SBT has brought me closer to realising my dream career.
What new skills have you built since becoming an apprentice, both technical and non-technical?
I have significantly improved my welding and metal fabrication skills as well as my knowledge of certain tools, machinery and materials. I have also gained experience and skills in working with a team such as my communication, positivity and even my confidence, which has greatly improved my skills and general life inside and outside of my traineeship.
How have you been supported throughout your apprenticeship journey? Eg. mentoring, training and development.
I have been supported in multiple ways by my employer and supervisor, as well as TAFE lecturers and my teachers from my school. Additionally, my colleagues – who I see as role models – and my family have also supported me in various ways.
Favourite project/task you’ve worked on during your apprenticeship?
The BHP Mooka Ore Car Repair Workshop, where I completed multiple projects, including tools I once made to help with the processes of repairing the ore cars.
Name one challenge that you’ve overcome? And how you did that?
I learned that safety always comes first. There was an incident at work when I almost entered a worksite without a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC). Fortunately, I contacted my supervisor and did not proceed.
What’s one thing we can’t guess from your job title?
People often imagine engineers spend all their time on computers, but in my experience, I’ve spent most – if not all – of my traineeship in a workshop working with machinery and hand tools. However, I understand this may differ for other people.
What advice would you give someone starting an apprenticeship working in a male-dominated field?
Be yourself and be confident! My colleagues have been extremely supportive, offering me their knowledge and stories, which have helped me to grow my skills but also my experiences.
What’s your plan after completing the apprenticeship?
I hope to become a boilermaker and potentially advocate for women in a male-dominated fields, sharing my experience of what a traineeship can be when you focus on the positives rather than the negatives.
How do you think more women can be encouraged to join male-dominated industries?
I believe the misconception that men in these trades don’t want to see women in the field should be challenged, as this hasn’t been true in my experience. Fear of stepping outside one’s comfort zone may also deter women. I believe women can do anything, even if it doesn’t fit the norm, and we should strive to push our comfort zones regardless of setbacks or criticism.
ASA is proud to support women apprentices in male-dominated trades and their employers, find out more about our dedicated support here.
