If you’re a girl thinking about stepping into a non-traditional role in the energy industry, CS Energy’s mechanical apprentice Hayley Trevithick has some advice:
“Don’t doubt yourself,” Hayley said.
“I know it can feel a bit daunting at first – walking into a workshop or job site where you might be one of the only women – but honestly, that feeling fades once you start learning, getting hands-on, and building your confidence.”
Hayley said that she wasn’t sure what to expect when she first started her apprenticeship, wondering if she would be taken seriously, or even fit in – “But I’ve found if you show a willingness to learn, work hard, and be part of the team, people respect that – no matter who you are.”
Hayley said she’s always had a hands-on approach to learning, and enjoyed learning how things worked and problem-solving from an early age.
“That naturally led me to a trade career,” she said. “During school, I realised I wanted to do something practical, challenging and meaningful – and that’s what led me to pursue an apprenticeship in mechanical fitting and turning.
“I was drawn to the energy industry because it plays such a vital role in everyday life, and I wanted to be part of something bigger, something that keeps communities running.”
A place to work and learn
Starting her apprenticeship at Callide Power Station in February 2023, Hayley said it’s been a valuable and eye-opening experience so far.
“I wanted to work at Callide Power Station because it’s not just a job – it’s a place where I knew I could grow and develop technical skills,” she said.
“Being part of such a critical piece of infrastructure is both exciting and rewarding, and it’s exactly the kind of environment where I saw myself thriving and building a long-term career.
“From day one I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of a team that’s responsible for maintaining and improving critical infrastructure that keeps the station running safely and efficiently,” she said.
“As an apprentice, my role involved a mix of structured learning, hands-on training, and on-the-job experience. I’ve worked closely with qualified tradespeople and mentors who guide me through practical tasks while also helping me understand the theory behind them.
“It’s a balance of learning and doing, which helps reinforce the skills CS Energy is helping me develop.”
Hayley has been involved in a range of tasks including preventative maintenance, fault finding, equipment inspections, and assisting with shutdowns and overhauls.
“Each day can be different, and that variety has kept things interesting and challenging,” she said.
“I’ve also gained experience working safely around live plant and learning the importance of following strict safety protocols.”
Being an apprentice is a great way to build a career because it combines earning and learning, Hayley said.
“You get a qualification, real-world experience, and industry contacts all at once,” she said.
“For me, it’s been a confidence-building journey. I’m learning a trade that’s in demand, and I can see a clear pathway for growth in this field.
“Another unexpected but important thing I’ve learned is how much teamwork and communication matter in a large industrial environment.
“It’s not just about technical skills – being able to work effectively with others, ask questions, and stay accountable are just as important.
“I’ve also learned to think critically and adapt quickly when unexpected problems come up.”
Winning gold at Worldskills
Hayley’s knowledge and skills were put to the test recently at the 2025 Worldskills Australia National Championships & Skills Show.
She did CS Energy, the team at Callide Power Station – and herself – proud, winning gold for Queensland in the regional competition and fifth in Australia at a national level.
“What I’m most proud of is how much I pushed myself out of my comfort zone,” Hayley said.
“The competition was intense, with tight timeframes, high expectations, and a strong focus on precision and quality.
“It challenged me to lift my skills to the next level and really trust in my training and ability.”
Hayley said competing against her peers in Queensland was a great experience.
“There was a real sense of pride in representing my region, and it pushed me to bring my best,” she said.
“Stepping up to the national level was even more intense – the skill level was incredibly high, and it was inspiring to be around other apprentices who were just as driven.
“It reminded me that the industry is full of talent and that there’s always room to keep learning and improving.
“What motivated me the most was the opportunity to show what I could do – not just to others, but to myself. I wanted to prove that I belonged there, and that all the hard work I’d put in was worth it.
“The whole experience has made me more confident in my abilities, and even more determined to keep pushing forward in my career.”