Ana Gamero
Inspired by her father’s engineering background and her uncle’s career as an electrician, Ana sought out her own trades career with a welding apprenticeship.
As a single mother of four, Ana wanted to find something that gave her confidence and structure that would also provide a stable future for her family. What she discovered at Chisholm was more than just technical proficiency. She discovered self-reliance and her ability to overcome challenges, emerging as a true leader in her field.
Often the only woman in class and on the job, Ana has turned her status into a platform for advocacy. She often uses her LinkedIn presence to share engaging and educational content and to encourages others – especially women – to consider careers in engineering and fabrication.
Ana has since extended her advocacy for more women in trades to the construction sector. In 2025, she was a guest speaker at the Master Builders Victoria Diversity and Culture event, sharing her story as a woman, migrant and mother to influence how the industry views inclusion. In 2025, Ana was honoured as Apprentice of the Year at the Empowered Women in Trades Awards.
Ana’s commitment to excellence and her curiosity for building new systems have set a high bar for her peers. Her future goal is to become a welding inspector, ensuring the industry is inclusive for all.
"I want to be a positive role model," Ana says.
Beyond the workshop, Ana is already inspiring the next generation through mentoring programs such as Steel Chicks. One day, her daughter dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.
Her 2026 Apprentice of the Year win is a celebration of courage and resilience, proving that with focus and work, anyone can forge a bright future.