The fourth-year apprentice is currently employed at Orange Precision Metalcraft and is about to complete her Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade at TAFE NSW Orange.

The 26-year-old's dad is a heavy diesel mechanic and she had her sights set in following in his footsteps until she attended a 'Try a Trade' apprenticeship program at TAFE NSW and decided she wanted to become a boiler maker.

"I love engineering. The work is both physical and mental so it's always interesting. One day I can be working in a team making structural steelwork for a large company and the next day I will be working by myself making handrails for a residential home," she said.

"I love creating things and it's not repetitive - you're learning all the time and constantly applying new skills."

This year she was joined at work by first-year apprentice Kate Marchington, 33, who had also decided to join the male-dominated industry.

According to their boss, Orange Precision Metalcraft's managing director Mark Thompson, gender had nothing to do with the two getting a job.

"They applied for the job and were the best candidates," Mr Thompson said.

"We've been employing TAFE NSW trainees and apprentices since 1974 - when we first opened the doors."

While there may be a lack of female workers, there is certainly no lack of jobs available for metal fabricators in regional NSW.

In June 2021, the National Skills Commission produced the latest Skills Priority List, which details skills shortages in the Australian labour market, and predicted strong future demand for metal fabricators and welders.

Ms Hobson says her career choice has inspired many of her friends.

"One of them is now doing a machinist apprenticeship near Moree, another one's trying to get into doing an electrical trade.

"I feel like I've really helped them realise that they can push towards it."

And her advice to other women considering a career in a male-dominated field?

"You can't step back and worry about what others are going to think. Just go for it."

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