By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
AN 18-year-old apprentice is making waves in the industry for all the right reasons.
Courtney Frampton-Dahl is the first female apprentice to be placed with MIGAS in Melbourne and is one of two females working at Matthew Brothers Engineering in Newport.
The Derrimut resident began her four-year boilermaker apprenticeship last month and has her sights clearly set on a bright future at the company despite views to the contrary.
“A lot of people told me I couldn’t do it, because it was a male- dominated industry, so I thought I would prove them wrong,” Courtney told Star.
“Most males are shocked to see a young girl like me in the industry, but it really doesn’t bother me.
“I’ve got the thumbs up from my workmates.”
The ambitious youngster hopes to one day complete a dual trade as a fitter and turner and electrician.
Matthew Brothers Engineering account manager Penny Matthews said she took a shine to Courtney as soon as her application came in.
“Before we employed Courtney, I was the only female in the factory. We got the call from MIGAS and I took the case to our manager,” Penny said.
“It is fantastic to have women interested in the industry and if they’re willing to get their hands dirty, they should be given the chance.”
And Courtney has some very sound advice for any prospective female counterparts.
“I’m setting a really good example for younger females that if they set their mind to it, yes it might be hard, but you can do it.”
