Introduction

Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities begin in unexpected ways. For high‑school student Poppy Benton, a casual dinner at a local restaurant sparked the start of a new career. For electrician and business owner Caitlin Maggs, it opened the door to mentor a young woman the way she wished someone had supported her twenty years earlier. Their story shows how a single conversation can change the course of a career.

The Challenge

Before meeting Caitlin, Poppy felt unsure about which trade to pursue. She explored carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work but struggled to choose a direction.

“I was either going to be a carpenter, a plumber, or an electrician… but I gagged doing the dishwasher, so plumber was out!” she joked.

Like many young women considering male‑dominated fields, she also wondered where she would fit and whether she would feel safe and supported.

Caitlin recognised these concerns because she had faced similar challenges early in her own career. During her apprenticeship, support for women in trades was limited, and those experiences shaped her determination to create better conditions for others.

“The most important thing is making sure that Poppy has a good experience and not any of the yuckier ones I had.”

The Solution

A Chance Conversation

One evening, Poppy and her family struck up a conversation with Caitlin, who was dining with a former apprentice. Their chat flowed naturally into a discussion about trades and career choices.

“It just all went from there,” Poppy said. “Meeting Caitlin lined me up with what I actually wanted to do.”

Work Experience at Hayl Electrical

Caitlin invited Poppy to complete work experience with Hayl Electrical. Over three weeks, Poppy impressed the team with her enthusiasm, curiosity, and ability to connect with customers.

“She was thinking ahead already, even on work experience,” Caitlin said. “She fit in right from the start.”

By the end of the placement, Caitlin knew she wanted to offer Poppy an apprenticeship.

Support Through Mas

When Caitlin began arranging the apprenticeship, she spoke with women in the industry who strongly recommended Mas National (Mas) for their supportive approach. Meeting Mas Apprenticeship Consultant Rosie McKenzie reinforced that advice.

“She was so lovely… she put my mind at ease,” Caitlin said.

Poppy felt that support immediately.

“She actually cared… and she gave me heaps of providers who could support me if I needed it.”

Poppy enrolled in a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and continues to receive support from Mas. Because her qualification meets the criteria for the Key Apprenticeship Program, both she and Caitlin can access incentives under the New Energy Apprenticeship Stream.

The Results

A Clear Career Direction

For the first time, Poppy feels genuinely motivated about her future.

“At school, I wasn’t really listening because I didn’t care about it,” she admitted. “But now that I know this is something I can pursue, I actually care.”

She plans to stay in the electrical industry long-term.

Growing Confidence for Women in Trades

Seeing more young women enter apprenticeships helped Poppy feel comfortable stepping into the industry.

“I was a bit scared… but knowing there are so many girls going into it made me feel more comfortable and safe.”

Caitlin also finds the shift encouraging.

“I wouldn’t have believed, 20 years ago, how many girls would want to do apprenticeships.”

A Supportive Apprenticeship Model

With a strong focus on safety, respect, and positive learning, Caitlin builds an environment where apprentices can thrive. She encourages other employers to welcome women into their teams.

“If your practices are that bad that you can’t have a girl on site, then you shouldn’t have any apprentice.”

Her message to hesitant employers is simple: “If you’re on the fence, give it a crack.”

Conclusion

A chance restaurant conversation grew into a meaningful mentorship and a life‑changing apprenticeship. With strong guidance from Caitlin and ongoing support from Mas, Poppy has found a clear and exciting future in the electrical industry.

Her message to other young women considering a trade mirrors her own journey:

“If you’re actually considering it… you should just do it. You can go so many places and go so far with the industry.”