Built to RISE: Learning by Doing – Chelsea Earl’s Story
“The best thing you can do is own your mistake.”
For Chelsea Earl, becoming a mechanical apprentice wasn’t just about choosing a career — it was about pursuing something she’d always been passionate about. Through curiosity, hard work and a willingness to keep learning, she’s building skills, confidence and a future in the trades industry.
Now a third-year Engineering Mechanical Apprentice, Chelsea is completing her apprenticeship through Zeal Futures, hosted by GM³, where she’s building more than technical skills. Every day on the job is an opportunity to learn, solve problems and continue growing in confidence.
“I’ve always had an interest in mechanics due to growing up around it a lot, whether it be cars or dirt bikes,” Chelsea said. “I also knew I wanted a hands-on job that would teach me new things every day.”
Like many women working in trades, Chelsea acknowledges there have been difficult days along the way. But those moments have never defined her experience.
“My experience so far as a woman in the industry has been quite incredible,” she said. “It definitely can have its really bad days and challenging moments, but I’ve always had help and support to face anything.”
For Chelsea, one of the biggest reasons she’s stayed motivated throughout her apprenticeship has been something surprisingly simple: asking questions.
“I’ve managed to stay on track in my third year by asking as many questions as possible,” she said. “I’m always asking questions about everything, especially asking for help — whether that’s on the job or working through my TAFE workbooks.”
It’s advice that reflects an important lesson for anyone beginning a trade: confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from being willing to learn.
Chelsea also hopes people understand that apprenticeships aren’t about getting everything right the first time.
“Something people may not realise about being an apprentice is how many mistakes and mess-ups you will make,” she said. “I know I’ve definitely made a few, but I know now that’s all part of learning and actually the best way to learn. The best thing you can do is own your mistake.”
It’s an honest reminder that growth often comes through experience, not perfection.
As part of the Together We RISE program, Chelsea has connected with other women navigating similar experiences across Australia, building a network of support that extends beyond the workplace.
Programs like Together We RISE provide opportunities for apprentices to connect, learn from one another and realise they’re not alone in their journey. For Chelsea, that sense of community complements the support she receives from her workplace and reinforces that asking questions, seeking guidance and continuing to learn are all strengths—not weaknesses.
When she’s not on site, Chelsea enjoys winding down with something food-related.
“My go-to after a long day on site would definitely have to be anything food related,” she laughed. “Either cooking a nice dinner, having some dessert, or even going out to get dinner or dessert.”
Chelsea’s story is a reminder that every apprentice starts somewhere. By staying curious, asking questions and embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn, she’s proving that growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up each day ready to keep learning.
💜 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
