Introducing Isabelle

Isabelle is a first-year boilermaking apprentice at Structural Challenge, drawn to the trade for its hands-on, problem-solving nature after initially beginning university studies.

Isabelle was recently a panellist for SEBN’s Lunch with the Winners, where she talked to a room of school children and business owners about her pride in welding and fabricating beams used in large-scale construction projects.

After trying university courses in animation and teaching, she realised she wasn’t suited to study life—she wanted to work with her hands. Researching trades led her to boilermaking, where she was attracted to the mix of physical work, problem solving, mathematics, and technical knowledge.

She says the most rewarding part of her apprenticeship is the ‘immediate satisfaction I get from fabricating beams that become integral parts of big projects. Knowing that I made it with my own hands and that it will be used to hold up a building.’ Welding has become her favourite skill to develop: ‘It sticks everything together…getting good at welding and being up to the factory standards is actually quite difficult and has really opened my eyes and made me respect welders more.’

'...The immediate satisfaction I get from fabricating beams that become integral parts of big projects. Knowing that I made it with my own hands and that it will be used to hold up a building.'

Isabelle is proud of how people react when she tells them what she does: ‘They are always shocked and amazed and tell me how cool I am—and that makes me really proud of what I do.’ She also challenges misconceptions: ‘A lot of people think trades aren’t for intelligent people, but there’s actually a lot of problem solving, maths, and perception of materials involved.’

As a young woman in a trade, Isabelle enjoys challenging stereotypes and hopes to inspire others to follow non-traditional pathways. Looking ahead, she wants to continue in fabrication, perhaps explore sheet metal or even the defence industry. Her message to young women considering trades is simple: ‘Just do it. If it’s not for you, you can always change your mind, but at least you tried. Success comes down to work ethic and mindset. If you work hard and are willing to learn, you’ll be respected, no matter your gender.’