Built to RISE: Finding Her Voice – Hannah Oldfield’s Story
For Hannah Oldfield, becoming an electrician has been about more than learning a trade. It has also taught her to trust herself, speak up and step outside her comfort zone.
A third-year apprentice electrician with NECA Training & Apprenticeships, hosted by ARA Electrical, Hannah was drawn to electrical work because she wanted a career that would keep her active, challenged and constantly learning.
She had always imagined herself working outdoors and doing hands-on work rather than sitting behind a desk. With an interest in maths and problem-solving, electrical felt like a natural fit.
“Becoming an Electrician felt like a career that would keep me learning and developing new skills every day.”
Three years into her apprenticeship, Hannah is seeing just how far those skills can take her.
Building Skills That Make a Difference
One of the most rewarding parts of Hannah’s apprenticeship has been seeing the practical skills she has developed make a real difference.
“I enjoy being able to help people and knowing that I’ve gained practical skills that are valuable and in demand.”
Each year has brought new opportunities to learn, problem-solve and challenge herself — but some of Hannah’s biggest lessons haven’t just been technical.
They’ve been about finding the confidence to use her own voice.
Learning to Speak Up
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has taught Hannah an important lesson about advocating for herself.
“No one else can speak up for you as honestly or as effectively as you can.”
Hannah describes herself as someone who naturally tends to fly under the radar, but her apprenticeship has shown her the importance of raising concerns when something doesn’t seem right.
And in her trade, that lesson goes beyond confidence.
“In the electrical industry, speaking up isn’t just about confidence; it’s about safety.”
Learning when to ask questions, raise concerns and trust her own judgement has become an important part of Hannah’s development as an electrician.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Those lessons are reinforced outside of work through Hannah’s volunteering with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Facing unpredictable situations has taught her to stay calm, tackle challenges head-on and problem-solve under pressure.
It has also shown her that the quickest response isn’t always the best one.
“Sometimes the best solution comes from taking a step back and looking at a situation from a different perspective.”
Whether she’s facing a fire front or pressure on site, Hannah has learnt the value of staying adaptable and trusting the process.
“Staying calm, being adaptable and trusting the process leads to better decisions.”
Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone
At the RISE Tradeswomen Summit, Hannah was recognised for stepping outside her comfort zone — something that carried particular significance for someone who describes herself as naturally quiet and reserved.
“Being recognised for stepping outside my comfort zone honestly meant a lot to me.”
Putting herself out there, sharing her experiences and taking on new challenges hasn’t always come easily.
But the Summit also gave Hannah an opportunity to see that same growth happening in the women apprentices around her.
At the beginning of the Summit, she noticed that many participants were nervous and unsure of themselves.
A few days later, something had changed.
“By the final session, it felt like a completely different group of people.”
Hannah saw participants become more confident, comfortable and willing to share their experiences.
For her, that transformation is one of the moments that has stayed with her since returning home.
Stay Curious and Ask Questions
For someone beginning an apprenticeship and feeling unsure about what lies ahead, Hannah’s advice is simple:
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Starting a trade can feel overwhelming when there is so much still to learn, but Hannah believes that uncertainty is part of the process.
“Everyone starts somewhere.”
Her own journey is a reminder that becoming skilled and confident doesn’t happen overnight. It comes through asking questions, taking on challenges and continuing to learn.
Looking to the Future
Hannah already has plans to continue developing her skills once she completes her apprenticeship.
She hopes her trade will give her opportunities to travel around Australia, experience different industries and working environments, and learn from different people along the way.
She also plans to begin an instrumentation certificate after completing her apprenticeship.
“I’d love the chance to travel around Australia for work, experience different industries and environments, and learn from different people along the way.”
Outside of work, Hannah’s love of being outdoors continues.
If she isn’t at work, you’ll usually find her mountain biking, camping, hiking or heading to a rodeo.
Whether she’s learning on site, volunteering with the RFS or stepping outside her comfort zone through RISE, Hannah is continuing to build not only the technical skills of her trade, but the confidence to trust her own voice along the way.
💜 Built to RISE celebrates the stories of apprentices, mentors and industry leaders who are helping shape the future for women in trades through the RISE community.
About RISE Futures
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 Women’s Health in the South East ( WHISE ) , 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
