Federation TAFE celebrates first female plumbing graduates as women in trades rise
Alyssa Lucas and Ebony Poole.
Federation TAFE is celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to gender diversity in trades, with two apprentices Ebony Poole and Alyssa Lucas becoming the first women to complete their plumbing qualifications.
Ebony and Alyssa, who were in the same Certificate III in Plumbing cohort, have successfully completed their studies, marking a historic achievement for Federation TAFE and a powerful sign of progress in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
For Ebony, plumbing is more than a career, it’s a family legacy. A fourth-generation plumber from Derrinallum, she works alongside her father and younger brother in a business founded by her great-grandfather in 1917.
“Working in a regional area, I’m exposed to a wide variety of jobs, from historic homesteads to windmills on local farms,” Ebony said.
“The variety and problem-solving of general plumbing is really appealing to me and keeps every day different.”
Ebony’s journey into plumbing began unexpectedly. After completing VCE and starting a university degree in primary teaching, she found herself drawn to the trade while helping her father during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“It wasn’t something that was ever really presented to me as an option in school,” she said.
Alyssa, who works at Ballarat Plumbing Services, also took a non-traditional path. After finishing Year 11, she was eager to leave school but her mum encouraged her to find full-time work first. A family connection led to a trial with her current employer, and she soon began her apprenticeship.
“I was tossing up between becoming a sparky or a plumber,” Alyssa said. “But plumbing just seemed more diverse, there’s roofing, drainage, sanitary work. You’re not doing the same thing every day, and I love that.”
Both women say they felt supported and respected throughout their training at Federation TAFE.
“Knowing there were other girls in the class was a comfort,” Ebony said. “But honestly, our classmates and teachers treated us just like everyone else. Which is how it should be.”
“I’ve always done what the boys did growing up,” Alyssa added. “And in class, I think we were actually more organised than most of them!”
Their success comes as Federation TAFE sees a steady rise in female participation across trade programs. In 2025, female apprentices make up 3 per cent of plumbing enrolments, up from just 1 per cent in 2023. Across all trade programs, the number of female apprentices has grown significantly, with notable increases in cabinet making, baking, engineering, and electrotechnology.
Darren Gray, Pro Vice-Chancellor VET and Pathways and Chief Executive, TAFE, said Federation is committed to creating inclusive pathways for all learners.
“It is encouraging to see more women enrolling and thriving in their trade careers and Federation TAFE is doing everything we can to ensure industry reflects society. We are always pushing for greater accessibility and inclusivity,” Mr Gray said.
“We are proud to support women like Ebony and Alyssa who are breaking new ground. Their success reflects Federation's mission to transform lives and enhance communities across the regions we serve.”
The Certificate III in Plumbing provides a trade outcome in plumbing and is a key qualification for those seeking registration with the Victorian Building Authority. Graduates can pursue careers as plumbers, gasfitters, roof plumbers, and more. The course is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the plumbing industry, particularly in regional areas where shortages are most acute.
Both graduates are now looking ahead to the next stage of their careers. Ebony hopes to gain experience in an urban setting and work toward her plumbing licences, while Alyssa is considering starting her own business one day.
Their achievements are not only personal milestones but also a sign of changing times and a future where women in trades are no longer the exception, but the norm.