We spoke with three of our fabricator apprentices – Lexi, Mel and Becky - to gain insight into their experiences working at BAE Systems Australia and the Hunter Class Frigate Program at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide.
For some of our female apprentices, the path wasn’t an obvious one. As Lexi says: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I finished school. I knew I didn’t want to go to university but I wasn’t sure what path I wanted to take.”
However, after a conversation with the Early Careers team at BAE Systems, Lexi was inspired to pursue a career in trades. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she says.
For Mel, the decision was about finding a workplace that supported both her career and journey in motherhood.
“I was really struggling to get into a work-life balance and routine with a young daughter. A family member recommended I come and try out for a trade assistant role, and that’s where it started.
“I got on board, and they were able to offer me fantastic work-life balance…you just can’t beat the job security, and it’s a really fun place to work.”MelFabricator apprentice
Being at BAE Systems helped our apprentices overcome their own perceptions of what working in a trade would be like.
“What surprised me most is how supportive everyone is…I wasn’t expecting to be this welcomed in a trade,” Lexi says.
Becky later describes a similar feeling, thanks to the high level of support she’s received from “leading hands, supervisors, other trades, all the way up to people leaders in the company”.
Mel admits that she felt nervous about entering a male-dominated industry, adding: “I really didn’t know how I would be accepted or perceived. But honestly everyone has been incredible. The whole crew that I work with has been so supportive and helpful. They really pushed me and showed me a great standard to be working at. This gave me the confidence to go into the apprenticeship.”
An apprenticeship at BAE Systems offers hands-on learning, the chance to earn while you train, long-term career growth and job security.
A typical day
It starts early - around 6am - with a coffee and catch-up with colleagues in the crib room before the pre-start meeting. Here you’ll listen to the latest company news, safety updates, and get briefed on the day ahead. Next, you’ll check in with your supervisor to go over your job for the day – and get stuck in.
Whether you’re welding, assembling, or problem-solving, you know what’s expected – and you’ve got the support to perform at your best. The day wraps up with a team debrief to reflect on the day’s work and prepare for the following day.
And the best part? You finish on time, every time - which makes balancing work and life (especially for Mel with a little one at home), so much easier.
From welding large-scale components to designing and creating their own tools, the roles are as technical as they are creative.
“We’ve got to learn how to make our own tools,” Mel says. “We’re creating things that we are eventually going to be able to use on the ship.”
And you’re supported 100% of the way. The support allows for faster learning, stronger skills, and a team that genuinely wants to see each other succeed.
Beyond the skills and financial reward, our apprentices reflect on something even more valuable: pride in their work. As Becky says: “It’s the most rewarding work to see things come together and you’re learning something new every single day”.
Mel says its satisfying to “complete an assessment and you get something done and then you can look back and go ‘I did that I made that, that was all me”.
Would our apprentices recommend this career to other women and girls?
“Absolutely,” says Mel. “Come and start with BAE Systems, they’re supportive helpful, and flexible with working arrangements for anyone’s situation. Especially being a little bit of an older apprentice coming in, that was a such a huge help."
Skilled trades need more women – and there’s never been a better time to start. Whether you’re a hands-on learner, looking for job security, or just want something different and meaningful – a trade apprenticeship might be the perfect fit.