Lucy Mitton (2011) after graduating from high school, wasn’t sure about her career path and began working as a Cashier at SkyCity Adelaide. She then decided to undertake a Certificate II in Carpentry & Joinery and is currently in her second year completing an apprenticeship in Cabinetmaking, specialising in kitchen and bathroom installations.

“Life has been completely different since leaving SkyCity and entering the construction industry.”

She explains, “my primary role at SkyCity was taking care of finances and cash handling for our VIP customers, working a 24-hour seven-day week roster, it’s an entirely different world.

“Working those long hours allowed me to take time off to travel. Before the pandemic, I travelled to 38 countries and loved it.”

Lucy says having a huge career change was a mental and financial risk, but it has paid off.

“Now I am working a hands-on career, getting paid to work and study in an industry I am invested in, which means no more working on weekends and I have spare time to play Division 1 Baseball for the Adelaide Angels and AFLW for SMOSH West Lakes Football Club.”

From Years 8 to Year 12 Lucy completed Woodwork and Metalwork, which she loved as she works better hands-on. She shares, “my Year 12 major assessments were a timber and veneer bedside cabinet and a custom steel letterbox; I still have most of the smaller projects I completed too!”

“Back in 2011, there were not many female tradies, and I didn’t really consider it my career path back then. Fast forward to 2023, more and more women are seen on construction sites, and it is fantastic to see us represented and leading the way for the next generation.”

She continues, “I think having worked in Retail, Gaming & Hospitality, and now Construction, these industries have all given me vital skills in teamwork and accepting other people regardless of who they are or their background. They’ve all given me the confidence to ask questions, speak to people, and not feel uncomfortable.”

Lucy advises current or future Year 12 students to “enjoy this last year, make the most of school and the out-of-school events, and follow your passions.”

What’s next for Lucy is to complete her Certificate III in Cabinetmaking, expand her construction knowledge, and eventually quote homes and businesses for new kitchens, bathrooms and laundries while occasionally getting on the tools to do some final fixes and tidy-ups on jobs.

Lucy’s aspiration is “to be an example for women in the construction industry. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like; you can do the job as well as the person next to you.”