North Regional TAFE would like to congratulate Certificate III in Electrotechnology student Geraiyah Wiggan, who recently completed her Capstone assessment, the final requirement of her Electrical Apprenticeship with Rio Tinto.
Geraiyah grew up in Djarindjin, a remote Aboriginal community located approximately 200 kilometres north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula. After completing high school in Perth, she returned to the Kimberley before relocating from Broome to Karratha to start a family and pursue new career opportunities. She currently works at Rio Tinto's 7 Mile Rail site in Karratha, maintaining and servicing locomotives.
Driven by a desire to challenge herself, Geraiyah chose a career in the electrical industry because of its technical and problem-solving aspects.
" Electrical issues are not always obvious and require you to think, analyse and use your brain," she said.
Now 28 years old and a mother of three young children, Geraiyah has successfully balanced the demands of work, study and family life throughout her apprenticeship. While the journey has not always been easy, she believes the experience has strengthened her multitasking abilities, patience and resilience.
Throughout her life, Geraiyah has been inspired by several family and community members. In particular, her grandmother has been a strong and influential female role model, providing guidance and support throughout her journey. Geraiyah hopes to be that same source of inspiration for her own children as they grow older.
Entering a traditionally male-dominated industry was initially daunting, but Geraiyah says "you're treated no differently to anyone else."
Following her official sign-off later this year, Geraiyah hopes to continue her career with Rio Tinto and further expand her skills and knowledge across a range of electrical disciplines within the organisation.
Her advice to others considering study or an apprenticeship is simple:
"Just go for it and challenge yourself. At the start of my apprenticeship, I remember thinking, 'Oh my God, I can't do this.' But you learn everything along the way, and eventually it all clicks and comes together in the end."
We wish Geraiyah all the best for her future and have no doubt she will go on to achieve incredible things!