She owns more than 65 dresses and describes herself as "the epitome of girlie", but Naomi Alves did not let stereotypes stop her from becoming a tradie.
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"I wear my high visibility uniform for work, but as soon as I get home and shower ... I get dolled up," she said.
The 2014 Miss Dapto showgirl began an electrical apprenticeship at BlueScope Steel in Port Kembla on Monday, following in her father's footsteps to become a sparkie.
In honour of International Women's Day tomorrow, Ms Alves has called for more women to take up a non-traditional trade.
"The perception that trades are for men stops women, but if you want to do it then go for it," she said.
"I love wiring things up and seeing it work when I flick a switch."
After completing a pre-apprenticeship at TAFE Illawarra last year, Ms Alves felt technically confident and reassured she could work in a male-dominated environment.
Out of Hunter Valley Training Company's (HVTC) 110 current apprentices at BlueScope Steel, the 19-year-old was the only woman.
"I had to adapt to being one of the only women, but so far so good," she said.
"I would love to stay and work at BlueScope, it would be a great opportunity."
HVTC field officer Michael Ruddock hoped more women would take up trades.
"Especially with a skills shortage coming, the opportunities are tremendous," he said.