Chloe’s Story

Occupation: Steel Fabricator (apprentice)

Name: Chloe Cashion

Age: 16

Organisation: Tasweld

Location: Warrnambool

Why she pursued a career in manufacturing

“I first tried welding at school and straight away I knew it suited me better than sitting in a classroom. It just clicked.”

“I started with a few days of work experience at Tasweld and I’ve never looked back. What began as one day a week has now grown into something I really want to pursue full-time.”

“It wasn’t until I actually put the helmet on and gave it a go that I realised, this is something I enjoy and could be good at.”

Learning and personal fulfilment

“When I put the helmet down, everything else disappears. I’m totally focused on the weld. I love that feeling.”

“It’s hands-on, it’s practical, and it’s always changing. One day I’m working on a trailer, the next on a stainless steel tank or pipework. No two days are the same.”

“You start with a flat sheet of metal and by the end of the day you’ve built something real, that’s pretty satisfying.”

Creativity and advice for other young people

“I’d say to any young person, just give it a go. Even a bit of work experience can show you if it’s something you’ll love.”

“There’s a creative side to it too, shaping metal, problem-solving on the job, and building things from scratch. It keeps your brain ticking.”