Since her year 7 school days, Alissa McDermott wanted to be a cabinetmaker. She found a job making furniture in Braidwood only to lose it in lean times, before finding an apprenticeship.
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Now in her third year and having seen friends in the trade fall by the way side, Ms McDermott's drive is undiminished.
The 22-year-old is the Canberra Institute of Technology's outstanding woman in a non-traditional industry this year, and dreams of opening her own business.
That sort of drive will be tested as the building sector weathers the latest downturn.
CIT head of department for building and construction Peter Hansen said employers had to think hard about committing to training and supporting a young person through four years of learning.
''The feeling across all trades is we are going to take a bit of a hit this year,'' Mr Hansen said.
Classes could drop from five to three or two next year, depending on final numbers that will be known in February.
Ms McDermott had left her resume at numerous businesses. Capital Veneering was the only firm to get back to her and ultimately offer her a job.
In steel-capped boots, Ms McDermott is on the end of a broom sweeping up one minute, and programming software for a $400,000 machine the next.
''It's a very long haul, but worth sticking out,'' she said. ''That comes from determination and not giving up.''
Her boss, Capital Veneering director Ben Madden, says his apprenticeship was tough, but after topping classes he won a 12-month scholarship to work overseas.
Signing on with the Queen's nephew, furniture maker Viscount David Linley, in Whitby, he learned niche skills unattainable in Australia. He crafted marquetry for Elton John and Mick Jagger, and helped on pieces for Westminster Abbey.
On returning to Australia, he began a partnership with Markus Kohler. They abandoned traditional furniture to go full-time into kitchens and fitouts to pay the bills.
Now 37, he employs 50 people and has a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
The company has done large-scale fit outs for the new Canberra Airport terminal, Star City Casino, National Arboretum and the Australian Federal Police headquarters.
He regular employs apprentices, including mature-age ones, drawing on his own experience with mentor Conor McNamarra, who rewarded him with opportunities.
''That's what I have tried to incorporate, now I am employing people, is to give them a go,'' Mr Madden said. ''If they can show they have the right attitude, I provide them with opportunities. That's what [Mr McNamarra] did for me, that's what helped me get where I am.''
