Can you build a successful trade career while raising a family? Absolutely.

In this episode of Building Confidence, I sit down with award-winning boilermaker Samantha Hall to talk about her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to becoming a qualified tradeswoman, industry award winner, and mentor for young women entering manufacturing.

Sam shares the realities of juggling motherhood with an apprenticeship, overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated workplace, and why backing yourself—even when others don't—is one of the most important skills you can develop.

Today, she's not only building truck trailers but also helping build the confidence of the next generation of tradeswomen through mentoring programs across Queensland.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Starting an apprenticeship as a mum
• Balancing family life, childcare, and a trade career
• Overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated industry
• Why supportive teammates and mentors make a difference
• Transitioning from apprentice to qualified tradeswoman
• Winning industry awards and recognising your own achievements
• Mentoring young women entering manufacturing
• Why confidence grows through action—not perfection
• The importance of staying curious and never pretending to know everything

Whether you're thinking about starting a trade, returning to work after having children, or wondering if it's "too late" to chase a different career, Sam's story is proof that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply take the first step and keep going.