Nailing a trade

01/02/2022

When you’re a girl growing up on the north west coast of Tasmania, your options can look limited.

But Sophie Russell has taken her childhood love of building things and turned it into a career.

In 2021, Sophie won the Tasmanian Training Awards Apprentice of the Year, not long after completing her carpentry apprenticeship.

Sophie is now supporting and mentoring aspiring carpenters, guiding them through the challenges of studying and giving them tips on achieving work/life balance. 

“The support and training I have received through VEC and TAFE Tasmania has given me the confidence to take this on.

“I know it can be hard to get a job in a regional centre like Ulverstone and I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity. Now I want to help others find their pathway to a good job."