Young electrician sparks change as Tradie of the Year

At just 13, Jomarra Finch walked into Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB) and enrolled herself in an electrical program—despite her mum’s early resistance. Today, she is one of Queensland’s most celebrated young tradespeople after winning the 2024 Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) Tradie of the Year award.

The award not only recognised her skills, safety commitment, and mentorship—it helped quiet the self‑doubt she’d carried. “I doubted myself for a really long time… it made me reaffirm that I am doing a good job,” she said.

Growing up around her father and stepfather, Jomarra always felt drawn to the trades, but no one in her family—especially no women—had gone into electrical work. Still, at 13 she confidently handed her mum completed ATCNB enrolment forms, determined to pursue her goal, “I basically argued with my mum from when I was 13 to the Year 10 cadetship,” Jomarra said. “I just believed that this is what I wanted to do and I just stuck with it.”

Her passion quickly became clear. After joining ATCNB in 2017, her positive attitude and strong work ethic impressed employers during Year 11 work experience, earning her a school‑based apprenticeship with ConnectFour Electrical. Her mum soon shifted from sceptical to fully supportive as she watched Jomarra thrive.

ATCNB’s hands‑on learning model—two days of industry experience each week—gave Jomarra the foundation she needed. “The real-life work experience pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me learn how to be professional,” she said.

Jomarra became well‑known at the college for helping others and was appointed a student leader in her final year. After graduating in 2019, she completed her apprenticeship, worked with CV Services Group (where she won the CSQ award), and now works at J&P Richardson Industries specialising in industrial and high‑voltage electrical work. “I’m super surprised at how rapidly my career has grown,” she said. “I think it comes down to mindset, attitude, and working on myself.”

One of her proudest achievements is mentoring young tradespeople, including ATCNB’s 2025 Student Ambassador Mitch Reid, who said she “took really good care of me and taught me heaps.”

She’s also seen major changes in gender diversity. “In 2019 there were only eight girls in my whole grade—and I was the only one doing a trade. Now, seeing so many girls in trades has been amazing.”

Jomarra believes success in the electrical industry comes down to mindset, confidence, and understanding that mistakes are part of learning. “Anyone can do anything if they put in the work. You’re not going to be an expert overnight.”

Her advice for young people—especially women—considering a trade is simple: “If you believe it’s what you want to do, just go for it.”

Reflecting on her time at ATCNB, she credits the real‑life work experience as the foundation of her career. “I love teaching apprentices. I was an apprentice not too long ago, so I know how it feels. I hope they take something valuable away from it.”