Pradas kicking goals at 18

A young member’s story

Apprentice and aspiring ‘signal sparkie’ Prada shares how she's setting herself up for a secure future. 

Prada's making strides in her career

Inspired by her dad Chris, Prada started her electrical apprenticeship after completing year 10.

Prada’s found her passion in practical work. She’s now a third-year apprentice employed by NECA Education & Careers, hosted to RSGx and supports the level crossing removal project in Victoria.

Watch our video where Prada shares her tips for other apprentices, including how she tops up her super.

The world’s best job, according to Prada

Working with trains and their timetables means deadlines are important and a bit of a challenge. It can be stressful, but the people she’s worked with along the way have always helped. Prada hasn’t been afraid to ask questions, so she’s always learning a lot.

Despite the hard work, signalling work is “the world’s best job”, so Prada’s planning to one day be a ‘signal sparkie’ for Metro in Melbourne.

Hard work that’s paying off

Prada's dedication and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed. She was nominated for the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Apprentice of the Year in her second year.

Getting involved in NECA’s Women and Their Trade initiative means Prada’s attended educational programs and is connected to other women in the program for peer support. But her dad’s still a great source of inspiration and advice.

Dad gives me great tips about super. He’s had a long time in the industry, and he’s been with Cbus since he did his apprenticeship.” 

Prada, Cbus member

Working towards financial freedom

Prada understands the importance of saving for retirement, and that’s why she’s salary sacrificing extra money into her super and keeping an eye on her account.

“I don’t want to be in a position where I have to keep working until I’m 67. I check my account every month … to see what’s going in and watch it grow.”