Battling with a rare disorder
After a series of head knocks on the footy field, Women’s Victorian Football League player Georgia Wilson knew it was time to find a new career.
The 23-year-old woman was diagnosed with an acquired brain injury as a result of six concussions sustained during her sporting career. She also lives with PKU Disorder, a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid, Phenylalanine, to build in the body, which impacts her protein levels.
Despite these challenges, Georgia was determined to find a new career. She was previously working in traffic management but wanted to do something more ‘hands-on’. Her WVFL teammate Alanah Strode suggested she should try out an apprenticeship at her workplace, Donnellan Constructions, where owner Heath Donnellan was in desperate need of more Carpenters.
Having the determination and drive to pursue a new career
With support from Mas National, Georgia’s been able to transfer the determination, drive and skills that made her a successful footy player, into a new career where she’s thriving.
Mas provided relevant career advice, assistance and support throughout her Certificate III in Carpentry and connected her with the right Registered Trade Organisation. Mas also worked with Heath to connect him with quality apprentices.
After meeting with Georgia, Heath was keen to give Georgia a go, a decision he has not regretted, “I didn’t care who it was, I saw she was a good hard worker and that’s all that matters. Women bring a different set of skills to the site,” he said.
To help with her short-term memory loss, Georgia takes notes to keep records of what she learns every day, “It can be hard, especially days where I’m struggling a lot. I find if I’m told a list of things, I just write each thing down in the order I’m doing them. For measurements, I’ve got to make sure that I’ve got them written down and I keep them on me until it’s finished.”
One year into her apprenticeship, Georgia is loving her job as a tradie, “I like being hands on and each job is slightly different, which is good to be doing something different. Mas has been really helpful if I have any questions and the team at Donnellan have all been lovely.”
“I definitely recommend a trade to anyone who is looking for a hands on job or something like that.”
Mas National Business Consultant Jacqui said Georgia’s story was very inspiring, “Her story shows how vital an ‘I can’ attitude can be as opposed to the often easier option of ‘I can’t’. The fact she has an PKU Disorder, and still continues to work with heavy equipment. Most businesses wouldn’t have taken her on but Mas helped her secure her dream career,” she said.
“Georgia is an inspiration to all of us. Her example will encourage many Australian women to overcome adversities and not allow fear to stop them from pursuing their dreams.”