Paving the way for women in trades

 

Aimey Johnson's path into electrical trades wasn’t linear, but her curiosity and hard work has seen her named as our first female Apprentice of the Year.

Her journey has included a career change, becoming a first-time mum mid apprenticeship, and now, mentoring the next generation of women in trades.

Stepping up as a role model for women in trades

As CS Energy’s first female Apprentice of the Year, the Electrical & Instrumentation Apprentice, says her passion for advocating for more women in trades began with her own career journey.

“I started as a school-based business trainee at a coal mine site, and from there I continued building my career in business roles,” she said.

“I later moved into a payroll position with a labour hire company, where many of the employees I worked alongside were Electrical and Instrumentation Technicians.

“Over the years, through conversations and seeing firsthand what their roles involved, I began to realise that the work they were doing was something I was interested in.

“Sometimes all it takes is someone saying, ‘You can do this.’ I want to be that voice for other women, to help them see that a trade is absolutely within their reach.

“There can still be a stigma around women completing a trade, traineeship, or apprenticeship.

“Although I never felt that pressure from my colleagues or employer, I carried it myself. I wanted to succeed not only for me, but to show other women that pursuing a trade is nothing to be intimidated by.”

When Aimey found out she was pregnant during her apprenticeship, she navigated a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and the desire to keep pursuing the career she loved.

“I struggled with the feeling that I was letting other women down by not finishing my apprenticeship first, and that I was somehow letting my team down as well. I had this strong desire to prove that women can do it all,” she said.

“Management and the team at CS Energy quickly put those self-doubts to rest. They did everything possible so I could continue working safely and confidently, both during my pregnancy and when I returned from maternity leave.

“They went above and beyond to make the transition manageable – supporting me with part-time hours and a later start so I could take my son to childcare each morning.

“Using my brain, applying my trade skills, and continuing my journey toward becoming an Electrical and Instrumentation tradesperson was something I wasn’t willing to give up.

“CS Energy’s flexibility, encouragement, and genuine care made all the difference.”

Working as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician

“I’ve always been motivated by hard work and the sense of pride that comes from doing a job well, and have valued variety and continuous growth,” Aimey said.  

“Electrotechnology gives me the best of both worlds – the opportunity to work hard and step back and appreciate what I’ve accomplished, while knowing that no two jobs are the same.

“Technology is constantly evolving and there’s always something new to learn. As systems and tools advance, my skills are continuously tested and strengthened, which pushes me to keep learning and improving.

“Control systems are such a critical part of CS Energy’s operations, and I’m genuinely interested in understanding not just how equipment works, but how it all integrates from field instrumentation through to the control room.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to know everything – you just need to be willing to learn.”

Image: Aimey (front, centre) with team members from Kogan Creek Power Station at the 2025 Apprentice and Trainee Excellence Awards.

Leading safely, leading strong

As someone who remembers how overwhelming those early days can feel, Aimey now makes it her mission to guide new tradespeople through the challenges she once faced herself.

“Being able to mentor new tradespeople is something I’m really proud of,” she said.

“One of the biggest learnings I pass on is the importance of safety and attention to detail. In our industry, small oversights can have big consequences, so I lead by example taking the time to follow procedures properly, complete thorough checks, and never rush a job.

“I explain not just what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it, so they understand the reasoning behind the process.

“I also emphasise that it’s okay not to know everything. Apprenticeships are about learning, and asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.”

Driven by her own experiences, Aimey hopes her story will inspire women considering a trade or re-entering the workforce.

“I hope my story shows women returning to work that it’s okay to pursue something for themselves – being a mum and building a career can absolutely coexist. And for those considering a trade, remember that success isn’t defined by gender, but by your skill, work ethic, and willingness to learn.”

Learn more about our apprentice and trainee program