Bridie Searle – NSW

At just 20, Bridie is the Founder of ReadySkills, where she teaches life skills and supports learners from diverse backgrounds. A hands-on learner herself, she credits the balance of theory and practice in her training for her success.  “The adaptability of VET empowered me to take control of my education and apply what I was learning directly, which has been crucial to my success with ReadySkills” 

Bridie’s journey began with a traineeship and a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice. With strong support from experienced mentors, she quickly gained respect in her field. In 2023, her achievements were recognised nationally when she was named both NSW Trainee of the Year and Australian Trainee of the Year. 

Before founding ReadySkills, Bridie worked in high-pressure environments ranging from helping manage defence maintenance projects to coordinating cranes and wharf operations – developing skills she says are highly transferable across industries.