After nearly two decades working across industries, from hospitality to admin, running her own beauty business, and even a stint in life insurance, Bille decided it was time for something completely different. Something hands-on. Something she’d quietly dreamed of since she was 8 years old, when her grandfather gifted her a tiny red toolkit.
“Back then, girls weren’t told they could be sparkies. We were steered into factory work or hairdressing. Not that there’s anything wrong with those paths, but trades just weren’t even shown to us as an option. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it, right?”
Still, the idea never quite left her.
So, in her late 30s, Bille took a deep breath and enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program, determined to find out if this was truly the right fit. No construction background, no trades in the family. Just guts, curiosity, and a love for working with her hands.
The verdict? She was all in.
But the road to apprenticeship wasn’t easy.
“I applied everywhere, big companies, realistic choices. I cold-called, sent resumes, and had barely any interviews. Some told me flat out: you’re too expensive as a mature-age apprentice. Others gave the vibe that they were just ticking a diversity box.”
One interview with a large company left Bille deflated. “They talked about hiring the best person for the job — like that couldn’t be a woman. Even if they’d offered me the job, I wouldn’t have taken it.”
Still, she didn’t give up.
Through a stroke of connection and timing, Suzanne from WomenCAN Australia heard Bille’s story and saw her potential. She passed her resume through Programmed in Melbourne, an organisation that valued culture fit, passion, and work ethic above age or gender.
“When I interviewed with the team at Programmed, everything felt different. Supportive. Encouraging. They’d had female apprentices before and they spoke positively about the experience. It was such a contrast.”
Now, Bille’s officially on the tools… and loving it!
She’s learning every day, surrounded by a team that respects her journey and encourages her growth.
“It was a risk, leaving my own business and starting from scratch. But it was a risk worth taking. I finally feel like I’m where I’m meant to be.”
And the best part? Bille’s story is already helping other women see what’s possible.
Because if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
But now, they can see it. They can see Bille.
Interested in starting your own career in trades? Or supporting women like Bille?
Visit WomenCAN Australia to learn how we are empowering women to build financial independence through education and employment. We walk alongside community to redesign traditional pathways and create inclusive economies—so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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