From the workshop floor to the rail corridor. Shannon Stevens is proof that women in rail Australia are stepping up, getting stuck in and reshaping the industry.
The Rail industry in Australia has always been built on hard work, grit and delivering quality work every time. It’s boots-on-ground, tools-in-hand work that keeps the country moving, but the face of the industry is changing.
Women make up to roughly 28% of the Australian rail workforce in recent years, and that number continues to climb.
There’s still a long way to go, especially in trade roles on the tools, but one thing is clear, women in rail are part of the crew. At Mader, that’s exactly how we see it.
Meet Shannon Stevens – Boilermaker In Our WA Rail Team.
Shannon Stevens joined Mader in July 2025 as a boilermaker in our WA Rail division.
Working in rail is for those who thrive on challenge. It’s big days, dynamic environments and work that demands precision every step of the way. From fabrication and repairs to keeping rolling stock and infrastructure performing at their best, it’s a career built on reliability and pride in getting the job done right. And that’s exactly what Shannon brings to the table.
She’s part of a crew that shows up, gets stuck in and backs each other.
For Shannon, no two days are ever the same. Each shift starts with a pre-start meeting, where the team runs through potential hazards and lines up the work ahead. From there, it’s into permits and pre-start checks, making sure all equipment is in top shape and ready to go. It’s about picking up on any faults early and keeping everything running safely and efficiently.
Before getting stuck into the job, Shannon takes a moment to review the scope and make sure everything is aligned with the correct procedures. Then it’s time to get to work. Hands-on, focused and doing what she does best.
Once the job’s done, it doesn’t stop there. Shannon carries out quality assurance checks, packs down her area and leaves the workspace clean and safe for the next person coming through. It’s all part of doing the job properly and looking out for the team.
Shannon is passionate about what she does and hopes to inspire others to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone and consider a career with Mader.
Women in Rail Are Changing the Game in Australia
Across rail Australia, the numbers are moving in the right direction.
Women now represent close to a third of the workforce in some areas, and participation has steadily grown over the past decade.
But when you look at trade-heavy roles like boilermaking, mechanics and track work, the numbers are still lower. However, Shannon is proving that, day in and day out, skill, attitude and work ethic are what matter most. The more women are stepping into these roles, the stronger the industry gets.
The Future of Rail Australia
Rail Australia is only getting bigger. With major infrastructure projects and freight demand growing, the industry needs more skilled workers. That includes more women.
Because the reality is, you build a stronger industry by bringing in the right people. The ones who show up, put in the work and take pride in what they do.
Shannon Stevens is one of them, and she’s not the only one.
Keen to Build a Career in Rail?
If you’re looking to get into the rail industry in Australia and want to be part of a crew that values hard work, Mader’s always on the lookout for good people.
If you’re willing to get stuck in, Mader is the place for you – visit our Jobs Hub today!