In the middle of the Queensland mining industry, where 12.5-hour shifts, heavy machinery and fault-finding are part of the daily duties, Hayley Campbell has learned more than how to become an electrician. She has learned how to be visible in an industry where women have not always been seen.
“At times it can feel a little isolating when you don’t see a lot of women around you, but I changed my mindset around that a long time ago,” Hayley said.
“If you don’t see representation in the room, then be that representation.”
Hayley is a third-year apprentice electrician working FIFO in mining as well as creating content under her social media handle SparketCadet, with 11,000 followers on Instagram and 27,400 on TikTok.
Through her own journey into the trade industry, she is showing other women what is possible.
However, Hayley’s electrical apprenticeship didn’t start straight out of school like most usually do. She came to the trade in her 30s, after almost 12 years working FIFO in mining with a catering company.
And then a sudden redundancy became a turning point.
“After I was made redundant from my previous role, I had about six months to seriously think about what I wanted for my future,” Hayley said.
She decided that if she was going to chase an apprenticeship, she needed to fully commit to it.
“I completed my Cert II in Electrotechnology, did work experience and kept applying,” Hayley said.
Hayley said a two-year trade assistant role gave her the hands-on experience, confidence and strong working relationships she needed to get started in the industry.
“When the apprentice intake opened, I made sure I was fully prepared,” she said.
“I worked hard for the literacy and numeracy testing, gave the interviews everything I had, and finally got the opportunity I’d been chasing for years!”
Hayley said becoming a tradeswoman has completely changed her confidence, and that no two days are ever the same.
As an apprentice electrician, she carries a heavy tool bag every day, relying on everything from pliers and side cutters to insulated sparky screwdrivers, a quarter-inch socket set, a multimeter, power tools and test equipment for fault-finding and electrical testing.
But one tool has become a favourite.
“Honestly, one of my favourite tools I use every single day are my Sterling Black Panther Snips,” she said.
“They’ve become a staple in my kit. I’ve also got a pink pair now, and all the boys on site are jealous of it!”
Her days can range from test-and-tag inspections, earth leakage testing, and fault-finding to breakdown maintenance, lighting repairs, motor and pump work, and shutdowns.
“We also work on large mining equipment, including the CAT 7495 shovel during shutdowns, where we complete preventative and breakdown maintenance,” she said.
“It’s a very hands-on job that keeps you constantly learning, which is something I really enjoy.”
Hayley said that learning these skills and working in environments traditionally associated with men has been incredibly empowering.
“I get to work on huge industrial equipment, solve problems, fix things I never imagined I’d be able to fix and constantly challenge myself,” she said.
“It makes me feel capable, independent and proud of what I do.”
Hayley said the job didn’t come without its difficulties, especially as one of the few women in certain industrial environments.
“I think sometimes people still don’t always think about things from a woman’s perspective on-site because the industry has traditionally been so male dominated,” she said.
“Even small things, like access to toilets in the pit, or feeling comfortable speaking up about what you need to do your job properly, can sometimes be challenging.”
“But I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of using your voice and backing yourself.”
At TAFE, she said more women are taking on apprenticeships than when she first tried to enter the industry. She believes social media has helped accelerate that shift by showing women real examples of trade, mining and construction careers.
“I think more women are realising that trades can offer incredible careers, financial independence, flexibility and opportunities that maybe weren’t as visible to previous generations,” she said.
“I can’t wait to see where things are in the next few years. The industry is definitely changing, and it’s really exciting to be part of that change.”
On social media, Hayley uses her platform to share the ins and outs of life as an electrical apprentice, showing other women and those interested in the trade what is possible and what their own career could look like.
“Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve shared a lot of my journey on social media, and I regularly have girls messaging me asking for advice about apprenticeships, mining jobs, interviews or how to get started,” she said.
“I always try my best to help because I remember how hard it was trying to break into the industry myself.”
@sparketcadet Happy Women in Trades Day 👷🏼♀️👷🏽♀️✨🔧 I couldn’t be more grateful or proud to be a woman in the trades in 2026. Here’s to celebrating the women who paved the way before us, supporting those beside us and inspiring the next generation to back themselves and give it a go. May we continue to empower, encourage and uplift each other every step of the way. 💛 Paid Partnership w/ @sterlingtoolsaus #WomenInTradesDay #Sterling #ApprenticeElectrician #WomenInTrades #WomenInspiringWomen ♬ original sound – Sparket Cadet ⚡️
Hayley said she has a lot of proud moments, but her biggest has been building a platform online where she can help encourage other women to get into trades and mining.
She said the best feeling is receiving follow-up messages from women who have secured apprenticeships or made it through the interview process.
“Knowing I’ve helped someone back themselves is honestly incredibly rewarding.”
Even though Hayley is completing her apprenticeship in the mining industry, her career options are not limited. Once qualified, she can work as an electrician across a wide range of industries, including mining, construction, industrial, renewables, maintenance, domestic and more.
“That’s one of the reasons I chose electrical. There is so much variety and freedom within the trade, and you’re constantly learning,” she said.
“It’s also a career where you never stop learning. Technology is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to challenge yourself with and grow into.”
For those who are considering a career in the trades, Hayley says to go for it.
“If you enjoy practical work, problem-solving and learning new skills, a trade could completely change your life. It changed mine,” Hayley said.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start; you just have to back yourself enough to try.”
“I think younger Hayley would be really proud of where I am now.”
@SPARKETCADET