Built to RISE: From Virtual Connections to a National Community
The inaugural Together We RISE Tradeswomen Summit brought apprentices and mentors together in Canberra, transforming eight months of online mentoring into four unforgettable days of connection, leadership and belonging.
From Online Conversations to Real Connections
After eight months of connecting online, 15 apprentices and six mentors from across Australia came together in Canberra for the inaugural Together We RISE Tradeswomen Summit, transforming a virtual mentoring journey into a powerful shared experience.
What began through Hard Hat Huddles evolved over four days into something much bigger. For many apprentices, travelling to Canberra independently, meeting new people and stepping into an unfamiliar environment was both exciting and daunting. Some boarded a plane for the first time, others travelled long distances by car, and several arrived having already built friendships through shared carpool journeys. Within hours of arriving at Canberra’s Pavilion on Northbourne, those early nerves had given way to laughter, connection and a genuine sense of belonging.
“Within hours, nervous introductions had become genuine friendships.”
The Summit marked the first opportunity for apprentices and mentors to meet face-to-face after months of online mentoring focused on leadership, financial literacy, resilience, career development and navigating life in traditionally male-dominated trades. While the virtual program had built strong foundations, the impact of coming together in person quickly became evident.
Building Confidence Together
The opening evening provided an opportunity for relationships to deepen beyond the screen. Mentors gathered over dinner to share their own career journeys and experiences, while apprentices spent the evening together with members of the NAEN team, enjoying a relaxed dinner that encouraged conversation, new friendships and a growing sense of community.
Friday marked the official start of the Summit, with workshops and connection activities designed to strengthen confidence, self-awareness and leadership capability. Throughout the day, apprentices demonstrated remarkable courage by sharing their lived experiences and reflecting on both the opportunities and challenges they had encountered throughout their apprenticeship journeys.
Lessons Beyond the Trade
A highlight of the day was a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport, where participants explored the principles of high performance, resilience, discipline and mindset while also embracing a little friendly competition.
The experience reinforced an important message:
“Success is rarely achieved alone.”
Strong support networks, trusted mentors and a commitment to continual growth all play a vital role in building confidence and long-term success.
Sharing Their Stories
On Friday evening, apprentices, mentors and the NAEN team came together with representatives from the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations for an informal networking dinner.
First Assistant Secretary, Policy, Partnerships and Inclusion, Laura Angus, and Acting Director, Building Women’s Careers Program, Alison McCaskie, joined the group to hear directly from participants about their experiences and the impact Together We RISE has had on both their professional and personal development.
The evening provided apprentices with a valuable opportunity to share their voices, reflect on their journeys and demonstrate the real impact of investment in women entering trades.
Seeing What’s Possible
Saturday continued the momentum through leadership workshops, a She Shapes History walking tour of Canberra and an inspiring panel discussion featuring qualified tradeswomen.
Hearing firsthand about the diverse career pathways available beyond an apprenticeship encouraged participants to think more broadly about their futures. For many, it was the first time they had considered the breadth of opportunities their trade could offer, from leadership and business ownership to mentoring the next generation.
A Community That Will Last
One of the most significant outcomes of the Summit was the visible growth in confidence and connection among the apprentices.
By the second day, the tentative introductions of Thursday evening had transformed into a supportive network of women encouraging one another, sharing advice and celebrating each other’s achievements. Friendships formed quickly, but more importantly, participants began building a professional community they can continue to rely on throughout their careers.
The Summit also highlighted the critical role mentors play in supporting women entering and remaining in trades. Their willingness to share lived experience, offer practical guidance and create safe spaces for honest conversations helped apprentices feel seen, heard and supported. At the same time, the Summit created valuable opportunities for mentors to connect with one another, exchange ideas and strengthen their own professional networks, reinforcing that leadership and learning continue throughout every stage of a career.
“The Summit wasn’t the end of the journey—it was the beginning of a national community.”
Looking Ahead
As the Summit concluded on Sunday morning, there was a shared sense that this was not an ending, but the beginning of something ongoing. The conversations, relationships and confidence built across the weekend will continue to influence participants throughout their apprenticeships and beyond.
The inaugural Together We RISE Tradeswomen Summit demonstrated why programs like this matter. It reaffirmed that women belong in trades, that diverse voices strengthen workplaces and industries, and that when apprentices are connected, supported and empowered, they develop the confidence to see themselves not only as skilled tradeswomen, but as future leaders, mentors and role models. Most importantly, it reinforced that Together We RISE is helping build a national community where women in trades can learn from one another, support each other and thrive together.
The Journey Continues
While the Summit has come to an end, the connections built, lessons shared and confidence gained will continue long after participants return home. Through Together We RISE, apprentices and mentors remain connected as part of a growing national community committed to supporting more women to enter, remain and succeed in trades.
Whether through Hard Hat Huddles, mentoring, leadership development or future events, Together We RISE continues to create opportunities for women apprentices to build confidence, strengthen professional networks and realise their potential.
