ASC’s first woman apprentice Deb Spence urges others to consider previously male-dominated trades

Deb Spence became the first woman apprentice at ASC almost two decades ago. Now there are far more – but she’s encouraging others to consider such a career.

Being a woman of steel has helped Deb Spence smash a few glass ceilings in her working life.

Ms Spence was the first woman apprentice at ASC in Osborne, completing a mechanical fitter course from 2003 to 2007.

Entering the male-dominated workplace “was an eye opener for me coming straight out of school, even though I’d always been very hands-on working with my dad on cars and so on”.

“But it was something I was destined to do rather than sitting at a desk with a computer screen,” she said. “I enjoyed it from day one.”

Now, there are far more women on the shop floor.

“It has been a great journey at ASC,” she said.

“It’s been improving every year.”

Appointed as the first female lead of a production team in 2015, she said having flexible work arrangements available has made a big difference in being able to continue her career while having a family.

Ms Spence, 35, took a year’s leave after the birth of each of her children, Meisie, 4, and Isaac, 2, and working three days a week juggles child duties with partner Steve, who is also at ASC.

Debbie Spence with her children Meisie, 4, and Isaac, 2. Picture: Matt Turner

She works on the Collins class submarines in their full-cycle docking maintenance as boat superintendent (acting), as part of a team which ensures all systems are fully functional before the boats are returned to naval service.

“So I’m not on the tools anymore, I’ve stepped up to that next level,” she said.

“It’s brilliant that I have that opportunity while being part-time.”

Ms Spence has been a mentor for some women joining ASC and tries to make sure all women feel welcome.

“When you start somewhere new I know it helps to have someone there to guide you and give you support,” she said.

She urges women to consider trades which were once male territory.

“It might not be for everyone, but go for it if it’s something you love,” she said.

“And stay in touch with the workplace if you do choose to have kids.

“Keep a foot in the door because you’ve worked so hard to get somewhere you should keep the options open. Have that discussion with your workplace.”

Ms Spence aims to return to full-time once the children are settled into school.

Ms Spence in 2015, pictured with the Collins Class submarine HMAS Farncomb, rolling out from maintenance. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

“My goal one day is to become a manager,” she said.

ASC has been steadily increasing diversity with women now making up 16 per cent of its 1300 employees.

Its board has equal numbers of men and women.

“At ASC we are building on our programs that support and embrace diversity at all levels,” chief executive Stuart Whiley said.

“We want to ensure every employee is empowered to reach their full potential, and that every potential employee feels confident in the support they can expect from us as a future workplace.

“At ASC we encourage women to chase their dreams and pursue careers in all areas of our business. These opportunities range from production roles to positions in design, technical engineering, corporate support, safety, environment, supply, logistics and more.”