After 15 years working as a nurse and midwife, Sarah had reached a breaking point. The emotional and physical strain of healthcare – particularly through the pandemic – had left her burnt out. What she needed was a reset. What she didn’t expect was that it would lead her to a career in carpentry.

When restrictions eased, Sarah took on casual labouring work for a builder. Initially a temporary solution, it quickly became something more. Being outdoors, working with her hands and seeing tangible progress each day filled a gap that healthcare no longer could.

‘There’s a rewarding feeling in creating something permanent and useful – structures people will live in and enjoy for years,’ Sarah says.

That discovery prompted her to begin a carpentry apprenticeship through HIA Apprentices. Several years on, her commitment to the trade has been recognised at the highest level, earning her the 2026 HIA Australian Apprentice of the Year award.

To continue this success, Sarah completed her Certificate IV in Building and Construction late last year and has continued to work with Wright Building & Carpentry.

During her apprenticeship, she has developed into a highly capable and trusted member of the team, guided by Peter as her host employer and supervisor. ‘Her attitude stood out from day one. ‘From the moment Sarah joined our team, her willingness to learn set her apart,’ he says. ‘She listens carefully to feedback and then applies it to improve her skills.’ 

That ability to absorb and act on feedback has become a defining strength. Sarah approaches every task with focus and determination, taking initiative onsite and actively supporting her team. Her reliability and commitment to high standards have made her a key contributor across a range of projects.

Beyond her strong work ethic, Sarah’s communication skills and professionalism have also set her apart. She engages confidently with clients, trades and colleagues, ensuring information is shared clearly and projects run smoothly. This has enabled her to take on increasing responsibility, including managing smaller renovation projects from start to finish. This involves handling quotes, client communication, scheduling trades and completing the carpentry work herself. ‘Seeing a project through from the first site visit to completion is incredibly satisfying,’ she says.

Her technical capability is equally impressive. Sarah demonstrates a strong understanding of building codes and compliance requirements, applying them with precision. She has contributed to projects in BAL-FZ zones, where fire-resistant construction and strict NCC compliance demand careful planning and execution. These experiences have strengthened her skills in logistics, sequencing trades and managing client expectations over longer timeframes. Her ability to problem-solve, communicate clearly and maintain quality under pressure left a lasting impression.

‘She represents the future of the building industry,’ Peter says. ‘I see her stepping into leadership roles in the future and setting a powerful example, particularly for women entering a male-dominated trade.’

Outside of construction, Sarah continues to maintain her nursing registration, teaching Advanced Life Support courses. She also enjoys Latin dancing and stays active through strength training, recently achieving several personal bests in weightlifting.

From hospital wards to construction sites, Sarah’s career shift has been dramatic but it’s clearly the right fit.