Navigating career challenges in your early 20s is challenging for most people, and for Brydie, it was no different. 
Originally from Mount Gambier, Brydie was grappling with an eating disorder and anxiety after her father had sadly passed away.
It was at this time that she was working in hospitality, but was looking for a career that would provide her with new opportunities for growth.
Brydie came to WISE through her employment consultant, Carolyn, an existing connection and someone she trusted to help her.
“We worked with Brydie to help her create a pathway into a job that she would love,” said Carolyn.
Carolyn conducted a Harrison Assessment with Brydie to help her uncover what job she might enjoy, not just something that suited her existing skills.
“The assessment was good and my top choices were to do with engineering and fabricating, so it showed me that I did really want to do that,” said Brydie.
“My dad was a boilermaker for a long time and I loved watching him do his work, and visiting his workshops. I always had an interest and did a little bit of it at school, so I thought I would give it a go.”
WISE connected Brydie with apprenticeship provider MAS National who supported her in finding a place where she could work while studying.
“When she was close to getting the apprenticeship, her spirits began to lift and she was in her element once she started. She became focused and dedicated to following in her father’s footsteps,” said Carolyn.
Brydie secured a traineeship in 2020, which saw have her the opportunity to both study and work concurrently. She also took the leap and moved an hour from her home to be closer to her workplace.
“I moved to get this job and it was hard at first but I moved in with my partner and he helped a lot,” said Brydie.
“I like learning different skills and I feel like everyone at my work has been accommodating. I never would have learnt these things before.”
Through her apprenticeship, she has learnt skills in welding, grinding and following engineering drawings to make specific items.
Now, three and a half years later, Brydie is well on the way to finishing her apprenticeship.
“I was a very shy person and was nervous about applying for these jobs but I want to encourage others to branch out and apply for different jobs. Your mental health declines for anyone not working, and if you sit on your own, but the job has helped me a lot. I feel I’m a lot more confident now than when I first started,” Brydie said.
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