Fremantle AFLW star Ebony Antonio has won the 2018 NECA Electrical and Communications Association (EMA) 2nd-year apprenticeship award for her outstanding commitment and work ethic towards electrical trade.

Starting with Programmed just over two years ago, Antonio’s willingness to learn and attention to detail makes her the ideal team member and colleague.

Referred to within the business by her peers as one of the most meticulous apprentices on board, taking out the 2018 NECA award solidifies her continuous hard work. 

Antonio says working in an office was never her cup of tea and pursuing a trade meant she could move around from project to project.

“What attracted me to taking up a trade was the ability to work outdoors, meet new people and be hands on rather than sitting behind a desk all day,” said Antonio.

No stranger to awards, Antonio won the 2018 AFLW Fairest and Best Award, and was also named in the 2018 AFLW All Australian Squad earlier in the year. 

The Fremantle defender outlined that Programmed have been very flexible in her journey of becoming an AFLW player as well as creating her pathway outside of this as an electrical apprentice.

Antonio is breaking the mold on and off the field, as a woman in the trades industry she represents change in society and is providing future generations of young girls and women with opportunity and insight to what traditionally is a male-dominated industry.

The 26-year-old tells young girls whatever they dream of to pursue it, to not let anything hold them back because she is living proof that anything is possible.

“I think it’s really important for us to continue to be models for the younger generation, especially for the little girls that look up to women today and aspire to be like them,” said Antonio.  

Programmed is commited to the pursuit of gender equity in pay and jobs. As a business they are recruiting the best people into their team as they know a diverse team makes better decisions. To learn more about how Programmed is inspiring change visit www.programmed.com.au/itsuptoyou