Built to RISE:
From the Farm to Fabrication: Amy Shephard’s Journey of Determination and Community
Growing up on a farm in regional New South Wales, Amy Shephard never imagined that one day she would be travelling across the state as an engineering fabrication apprentice, working on mine sites, quarries and major industrial projects.
Looking back, however, the signs were always there.
With only sisters at home, Amy spent much of her childhood working alongside her father, repairing machinery, building cattle yards and helping with the countless maintenance jobs that come with life on the land.
It was there that she discovered something she genuinely loved.
“I fell in love with working with my hands and tinkering. Out of everything, I was most drawn to welding and metalwork.”
A Career Change Worth Taking
Before entering the trades, Amy spent more than a decade working as a chef. While she enjoyed the industry, the desire to pursue something she had always been passionate about never disappeared.
Eventually, she decided it was time to make the leap.
Today, Amy is completing her fourth year of a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication through Skillset, hosted by WF Industries in Dubbo.
Since beginning her apprenticeship, her work has taken her across New South Wales, from mine sites and quarries to pet food factories and cottonseed processing facilities.
“The most rewarding part has been not only welding the steel together but also going to site and installing those upgrades.”
For Amy, seeing a project through from fabrication to installation has been one of the highlights of her apprenticeship.
Strength Through Determination
Working in a traditionally male dominated industry has challenged Amy in many ways, but it has also helped her better understand herself.
One quality, in particular, has shaped her journey.
“If it wasn’t for my stubbornness and refusal to give up, I honestly don’t believe I would have gotten to where I am today.”
That determination has helped her continue learning, take on new challenges and build confidence in her skills.
Looking back, what she’s most proud of isn’t one particular project. It’s recognising just how much she has grown.
“I thought I knew what I was getting into, but there hasn’t been a single day where I haven’t learnt something new or continued refining my skills.”
Learning From Those Around You
Amy is quick to acknowledge that no one succeeds alone.
One of the biggest influences on her journey has been her boss, Wayne, who has continually encouraged her to challenge herself and see problems from different perspectives.
“Even when I’ve doubted myself, his perspective, and sometimes his blunt words, have pushed me to be better and keep learning.”
It’s a lesson that continued during the RISE Tradeswomen Summit.
While the workshops and speakers left a lasting impression, one moment stands out above all others.
As the Summit drew to a close, apprentices gathered one last time before heading home.
“We were standing around talking, adding each other on social media, laughing and smiling. After only a couple of days, we’d built genuine connections and walked away with new friends and people we know we can turn to.”
For Amy, that sense of community became one of the Summit’s greatest takeaways.
Looking Ahead
Once she completes her apprenticeship, Amy hopes to continue building her knowledge by studying drafting before eventually moving into teaching and mentoring.
“I’m passionate about supporting and helping the next generation of tradies grow.”
It’s a goal that reflects the same encouragement she has received throughout her own journey.
More Than a Trade
Outside of work, Amy has been an active member of the Country Women’s Association since she was just 12 years old.
Over the years, it has reinforced something she now carries into every part of her life.
“Sometimes community comes from the most unexpected place.”
It’s a fitting reflection for someone whose journey has been built on determination, curiosity and the people who have supported her along the way.
Amy’s story is a reminder that while persistence can open doors, it’s the connections we build along the way that often make the biggest difference.
💜 Built to RISE celebrates the stories of apprentices, mentors and industry leaders who are helping shape the future for women in trades through the Together We RISE community.
About Together We RISE
Together We RISE is a national initiative supporting women apprentices and trainees to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through mentoring, peer connection, industry engagement and leadership development, the program is helping build a more inclusive and supportive workforce.
Together We RISE is delivered by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) in partnership with WAVE, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and Bendigo Kangan Institute, and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations through the Building Women’s Careers Program.
To learn more, visit www.naenrise.com.au
