TAFE Wollongong student Elizabeth D'Anastasi is loving life excelling in the traditionally male-dominated butchery trade.
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Even being mistaken for a hairdresser doesn't bother the self-confessed "girly girl" who is about to become a fully-fledged tradeswoman.
The third-year apprentice at Bowral's Oxley Butchery is almost finished her Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE Wollongong.
When the 17-year-old completes this she will be part of only the 5.3 per cent of butchers in NSW who are female.
Ms D'Anastasi has butchery in her blood, with her uncle completing the trade, and she harbours ambitions to own or manage her own butchery in the future.
"I really love being a butcher because there's always something new to learn and I love the customers. I also love seeing a carcass turn into the end product," she said.
Oxley Butchery owner Martin Nonnenmacher, whose business employs two female butchers, said females brought a unique perspective and skill-set to the trade.
"The girls tend to have a bit more of an eye for detail than the blokes," he said.
"Elizabeth is a great tradeswoman and the customers love her.
"Some do look a little surprised after she serves them when she goes off and cuts the meat her self though.
"TAFE NSW has been so supportive by teaching the parts of the trade she is less likely to pick up in the workplace."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
