In 2026, Downer’s rail apprentice intake in NSW reached an important milestone. Of the five apprentices starting across Cardiff Service Delivery Centre and the Auburn Maintenance Centre, three are women.

It is a clear signal that the face of trades is changing, and that more young women are choosing technical careers and backing themselves to succeed.

One of those apprentices is 17 year old Kayla Battle, an electrical apprentice working on Downer’s Waratah Train fleet. For Kayla, this path was never a surprise. Her dad is a sparky, and from a young age she could see exactly what a trade could offer.

“He told me straight up that if this is what I wanted, I should do it properly,” Kayla said. “That advice stuck with me.”

Kayla started her journey through a School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships program with HunterNet in 2025. While still at school, Kayla split her week between the classroom, TAFE and paid work at Downer, giving her a real understanding of what an apprenticeship involved.

“It was a really good introduction into what an apprenticeship would actually be like,” Kayla said. “I got to see the work, the environment and whether it was something I wanted to do.”

Now three months into her apprenticeship, Kayla says the transition has felt natural. Already familiar with the site and the people, she has been able to focus on learning and stepping into greater responsibility. She has completed rotations through the Electronic Test and Repair Centre and the lift shed, working on systems that keep trains moving and learning hands on from experienced tradespeople.

Being a young woman in a trade still surprises some people, and Kayla knows that reaction well.

“When I tell people this is what I’m doing, they take a step back and question it,” she said. “You can see it on their faces.”

But that reaction is starting to change, and Kayla believes visibility is everything.

“If more people are putting their hands up to say they’re a female apprentice, there’s less judgement and questioning,” she said.

“I also question myself less too. And, I’ve got a much bigger support network that’s bigger than the comments.”

Kayla says she loves the work, the hands on learning, and the sense of purpose that comes with building real skills alongside people who want to see her succeed.

“I always tell people how much I love it!” she said. “I’ve honestly never had a negative thing to say about work.”

Downer is proud to be a place where young women like Kayla can build skills, gain confidence and thrive in a traditionally male‑dominated industry. With women leading the 2026 intake, the message is clear. Trades are changing, and the opportunities are real.

If you are thinking about a career in rail, engineering or trades, now is the time to put your hand up. Downer is recruiting the next generation of apprentices who are ready to learn, challenge expectations and help shape the future of our industry.

Kayla at our Cardiff Service Delivery Centre