Amber Leyshan - Victorian Training Awards 2025 Apprentice of the Year

Amber did not just want a job, she wanted to construct a meaningful career that would carry her through life. Unsure about her career direction, she deferred a teaching degree and managed a trades department at Bunnings. Inspired by her customers, she took a leap of faith into an engineering and fabrication apprenticeship with AGL at Loy Yang Power Station and enrolled in Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade – Boilermaking at TAFE Gippsland.

Amber in her workplace holding welding equipment and wearing PPE

With a strong desire to enhance her career prospects, Amber challenged herself in a male-dominated arena, gaining extra welding certifications and mastering advanced techniques. This led to her winning the WorldSkills Regional competition, achieving the highest welding score in Victoria.

Working closely with TAFE Gippsland, Amber actively promotes careers in the trades and has become a tradeswomen advocate. Her sights are set on new energy, including wind turbine projects, so she can make a lasting impact in the industry and community.

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