Exploring a Career in Controls: Sade Elliott’s Journey into the Trade

Not everyone finds the right fit straight away. For Sade Elliott, it took a few years of university and some honest reflection to realise she was looking for something more practical.

She wanted a career where she could work with her hands, learn new skills, and be challenged in a meaningful way. A short stint of work experience in electrical confirmed what she already suspected. This was it.

Now part of Airmaster’s South Australian team, Sade is completing her electrical apprenticeship and building her capabilities in building management systems. She is currently training towards becoming a controls technician, developing her skills in both electrical and automation work on a variety of client sites.

Sade’s role is part of a growing shift within the building automation space, where more women are stepping into technical and trade careers. Creating more visible, supported pathways into these roles is part of a broader focus at Airmaster.

Paul Wyatt, Controls & Automation Manager - South Australia, says Sade is already making an impact.

“Sade has a strong work ethic, asks the right questions, and gets involved wherever she can. Her presence on site is already challenging the assumptions people might have about who becomes a technician. Telling her story is a powerful way to show that there are real opportunities here for women who are interested in this work. We want to see more of that.

From university to the tools...

Before joining Airmaster, Sade spent several years trying out different courses at university - but nothing felt quite right. It wasn’t until she gave electrical a go that things started to click.

In her own words, Sade shares what drew her to the trade, what a typical day looks like, and what she would say to others considering a similar path.

What first sparked your interest in electrical work or building automation?

"I’d had enough of study and wanted to do something more hands-on. I needed a challenge and something real. After talking to mates in trades, electrical stood out. I organised some work experience and loved every bit of it."

Finding an apprenticeship didn’t happen overnight. After a few opportunities fell through, she reached out to her friends online. A mate from high school, now working at Airmaster, let her know there was a position going.

“I had the interview, and a job offer within a week. I was stoked. I didn’t know much about building automation or BMS at the time, but it’s been really interesting learning how it all works.”

Sade had made a clear decision to pursue electrical, and Airmaster gave her the opportunity she had been hoping for.

“I quit my university studies to be an electrician, and I wasn’t taking my mind off that goal,” she says. “FIFO in the mines was something I was always interested in, so maybe something in that field, but I’m glad it led me here.”

A day on the job with Sade...

Sade starts early - usually with a gym session - and likes to arrive on site with time to settle in before the work begins. What follows can vary day to day, depending on the job at hand.

What does a typical day look like for you now?

“I start work anytime between 6.30 and 7.30am, but I like to get there early so I can have breakfast and settle in. Then I’m working alongside my tech, doing BMS maintenance, controller upgrades, sensor replacements, or whatever the job calls for that day. Every day is different, which is what I love.”

“My techs are great. They explain things clearly, let me give it a go, and challenge me in a way that helps me learn. I feel supported and part of the team.”

That ease working in a male-dominated space doesn’t come from nowhere.

“I’m the youngest of five, with four older brothers. That’s definitely helped me feel comfortable working alongside all the males.”

Creating real change through visibility and support...

Sade’s journey is part of a broader commitment at Airmaster to open up more pathways for women in technical roles. This work is being led by Airmaster’s Women’s Working Group (WWG), a national, employee-led initiative focused on improving career visibility, support, and development opportunities for women across the business.

The WWG is currently driving a range of initiatives including mentoring, clearer progression pathways, and practical improvements to policy that make it easier for women to pursue and build long-term careers in trade-based roles.

Monique Parker, Chair of the Women’s Working Group, shared this on behalf of the group:

“When people see someone working in a role they have been thinking about, it can help them picture their own future more clearly. Stories like Sade’s show that these career paths are open to more people than many might assume. The Women’s Working Group is focused on making sure women feel supported not only to enter the trades, but to stay and grow. We’re proud to share Sade’s story and continue the work of building real, lasting change.”

Sade’s message to others considering a similar career path is simple and direct.

What would you say to other young women thinking about a trade career, especially in controls or HVAC?

“If you like working with your hands and want something that keeps you thinking, go for it. Don’t let stereotypes stop you. There’s always going to be work in this industry, and there’s so much room to grow.”

What are you hoping to achieve or experience next in your career?

“Long term, I want to be fully qualified and confident working in controls. I’d love to keep building a career here. There’s still so much to learn, that’s what makes it exciting.”

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Thinking about a HVAC trade career?

Sade’s story is a reminder that the path to a fulfilling career does not have to follow a straight line. With the right support and a willingness to learn, there is space to try something new and grow into it.

At Airmaster, we are proud to support diverse career pathways and help shape a more inclusive and accessible future for the building services industry.

If you are considering a future in HVAC, automation or building controls, whether as an apprentice, technician or engineer, you can view current roles on Seek or register your interest via our Careers page.