TAFE NSW engineering student Tayla Adcock is proving the infrastructure, energy and construction boom is not just a job for men.
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A catalyst for employment growth, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a key employer for apprentices like Ms Adcock, providing around 11,000 jobs in construction, engineering and professional services.
Studying a certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade (heavy fabrication) at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, the Mittagong resident is currently working as a second year apprentice boilermaker at Camden Engineering.
Ms Adcock said her interest in the industry began when she completed the engineering pre-apprenticeship program with My Gateway.
"This program saw me spend one day a week engaging with different trades, which gave me a taste of both the fitting machining side and the fabrication welding side," she said.
"[It] showed me this was an industry that I wanted to work in."
After completing the My Gateway program, Ms Adcock decided to commence an apprenticeship as a boilermaker and hasn't looked back since.
"One of the things I enjoy most about my job is seeing something that I've been working on come together," she said.
"Looking at something and knowing that I had a part in making it gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction in my work and really is the reason why I love my job."
Engineering trades head teacher Eddy Zussa praised Ms Adcock for her work.
"Tayla is a real asset to the industry. She is passionate about what she does and is great at it," Ms Zussa said.
"It's good to see more females like Tayla choosing to study engineering and pursuing careers in and industry which is on a growth trajectory."
While women make up only 24 per cent of apprentices and trainees in NSW, Ms Adcock encourages other females to not underestimate themselves.
"At first it can be hard to adjust to working in a male-dominated industry, but I've learnt as long as you do a good job and put the most in every day, no one can question your place in the trade," she said.
