Brianna’s trade journey earns North Queensland recognition

Brianna completed her Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320) at TAFE Queensland Mount Isa campus through an apprenticeship with Glencore's Mount Isa Mines, supported by the Queensland Government’s Free apprenticeships for Under 25s program. 

She had always been curious about how things powered up and worked, but it was work experience as an auto electrician that helped her find the right fit.

“I liked the hands-on side of it and the problem-solving,” Brianna said. “The fiddly jobs are the ones I like most. You really have to use your brain and your hands at the same time.”

That passion helped her develop strong technical range across diagnostics, repairs, servicing and detailed electrical work.

She said one of the biggest lessons was learning to work through faults methodically and trust the process.

“You have to slow down, think clearly and work through it step by step,” she said. “Talking the task out before you start is usually the best way to go. It makes the job safer and more efficient.”

In 2024, Brianna’s apprenticeship was interrupted by a serious health crisis when she developed post-viral inflammatory cerebellitis, a rare brain inflammation triggered by glandular fever.

The illness affected her movement, speech and ability to read, forcing her to pause her apprenticeship while she underwent treatment and rehabilitation. For someone working in a practical trade, the setback was significant. But Brianna was determined to return.

“I only had about a year and a half left,” she said. “I’d worked so hard before that happened, and I didn’t want it all to go to waste.”

Brianna rebuilt her strength, returned to work and went on to complete her qualification.

That achievement was recognised in 2025 when she was named Female Trade Student of the Year at the Mount Isa Trade Excellence Awards.

Now fully qualified, Brianna is preparing to move into a planner role at George Fisher, where she will support maintenance scheduling, job planning and parts coordination for the workshop team.

She said completing her trade had given her the foundation to step into the next stage of her career.

“It’s a completely new side of the operation, so I want to learn it properly, ask questions and build confidence,” she said. “Having the trade background helps because you understand what the work actually takes.”

Brianna has also used her experience to support other young women considering careers in mining and trades.

Through one of Glencore’s Girls for Mining programs, she has spoken with students about what apprenticeship life looks like, how to apply, and what to expect in the workplace.

She said visibility matters, particularly for regional students who may not know what pathways are available close to home.

“When I was at school, TAFE at School gave me a chance to try something practical and see what suited me,” she said. “Sometimes you just need that first opportunity to realise what you enjoy.”

Brianna said she hopes other young women see trade careers as genuine options.

“Just do it,” she said. “You never know where it might take you.”

Being named a Queensland Training Awards finalist has made the milestone even more meaningful.

For Brianna, it is recognition not only of her technical skills, but of everything it took to finish.

“I’ve learnt I’m more determined than I probably realised,” she said. “You can go through something really hard and still come back from it. Completing my apprenticeship showed me that.”