Women in Trades - Jessica Mills

Why did you choose your trade? 

I chose to become a plumber because my dad is a plumber and I really enjoyed helping him with event work. I like to help people, find solutions to problems, and enjoy working on the tools.  

Was it easy to find an apprentice employer? 

I am lucky to have my dad take me on.  

Is Tonsley a female friendly environment? If yes, why? 

Yes, Tonsley TAFE is female friendly. Everyone, staff, lecturers, and students are all so friendly and supportive. I'm treated equal to all my other peers.  

And, I do believe the female toilets have free hygiene products for those unexpected days, too. It's nice to be thought of.  

What's the best thing about your trade? 

The best thing about my trade is meeting & helping people, watching & contributing to the events being built.  

Showing my daughter and other women, a girl can do it !  

What's it like working in a male dominated sector? 

Let's be real, it can be manually hard. And confronting at times. But I love all the feedback from our customers they are so supportive, proud, impressed and sometimes just gobsmacked but I take that as a compliment too. Some days I drive home wondering how I just did that job, it's so rewarding.  

Have you felt supported by your lecturers at TAFE SA? If yes, please explain why 

Every lecturer that has taught me has had my back as soon as I've walked through the door. They treat me like a person wanting to learn and teach me, and that is all I ask.  
What are your plans/hopes for your future career / Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time? 

My future in 5 years’ time will include completing my apprenticeship, masters, learning the ropes of running a business, probably let the old man retire, and take over the family business.  

Any other comments? 

 I've come from a jewellery retail background of 15 years. I've studied gemmology, taught gemmology managed jewellery stores and I'm also a qualified jewellery valuer. In saying this a change of career can be an amazing life changing thing, and to never judge a book from its cover.