NEWS & INFO
Meet Natalia Ioane
I'm a 4th year apprentice Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer and i've been working in the industry for 5 years.
Before Plumbing, I was a student at Otago University on a scholarship with ambitions to become a dentist. Study life full time wasn't for me so I came home and worked at a local butcher shop doing retail. Then, I was 19 and knew I needed a 'hands on' type career so I chose Plumbing and job a for life guaranteed.
Tell us about how you got your job/apprenticeship.
I approached my previous company I used to work for in person expressing my interest in becoming a plumber and asked to do some work experience to get an idea of what its like. After that I was hired in a full time position on a labouring contract for 6 months then signed up for my apprenticeship.
How have you progressed in your career? I'm now confident enough to be left alone and complete small tasks on my own. I've learnt so much over the past 4 years and still yet have alot more to learn.
I gained lots of experience from my previous company in residential maintenance for the first 3.5 years of my apprenticeship. Day to day I was doing 3/5 jobs a day on average with a tradesmen helping the boys fix leaks, replacing leaking hot water cylinders, servicing gas appliances, clearing blocked drains and much more. Last year I moved onto commercial plumbing, doing new installs on the big sites. This gave me more of an understanding working with the Building Code and Standards which is beneficial for my exams.
What you get up to day to day at work? A normal day for me is going through plans, running waters inside the walls and ceiling's and waste pipes in preparation for pre line inspections. We're currently working through 1st fix.
One big challenge I had to overcome was dealing with the doubt of other people. A lot of people were questioning why I chose plumbing and why the trades in general suggesting that its a bad idea. I put all those opinions aside because I already made up my mind that this what I wanted to do.
My most proud career achievement is:
Piping out my first mains hot water cylinder on a job on my own and inspiring other women to get on the tools.
My future career goals are: To be certified in all 3 of my trades and gain my backflow certification license.
My career has definitely given me thick skin. My hobbies fit perfectly around my work since my hours are 7am to 4pm - so it gives me a good chunk of my evening to go to the gym or catch up with family/friends.
What worked well for me personally was doing the Pre Trade Plumbing course with Te Pukenga. It meant that I had the very basic knowledge of how to connect various pipes we use,I would highly recommend you learn how to drive manual and be confident as most trade vehicles aren't guaranteed to be automatic. At minimum, have a restricted license sat in manual transmission and get your full license as soon as possible.
If you're thinking about doing a trade, stick with it, apply yourself and work hard!! Its not easy being a woman in a world of men, but the world is your oyster!! Grab the opportunity and you'll grow not only in the industry, but as a person as well with the character development. The opportunities are endless in the trades! Bite the bullet and go for it.
Meet Amy Howell, Owner of Wallflowers
What is your trade and how long have you been working in the industry?
Wallpaper Installation/Paperhanging
My business is 7 years old
Tell us about previous careers if you have them and why you changed to your trade.
I’ve done a bunch of different things – print production, event management and my last career before changing to my trade was Vet Nursing, which I loved but it felt like there was nowhere to go with it and the money wasn’t great. I wanted to work for myself and work with my hands, whilst getting ahead financially
Tell us about how you got your job/apprenticeship.
There’s no real apprenticeship for Paperhanging. Painting & Decorating apprenticeship does cover some wallpapering but from my understanding it’s not a lot. My only way in was to work for a paperhanger. After going around some of the shops that supply wallpaper and talking to them, I got a few numbers to call. I called Mark and convinced him to take me on, he was reluctant at first but we soon became a good team and worked together for a while. I was honest with him about wanting to work for myself and he was happy to pass on his skills. I worked for him for several months, whilst slowly starting to get my own jobs
**How have you progressed in your career? **
Starting out as a business owner and installer everything was learned job to job, I kept thinking if I can pull this hard job off then I’m winning and just kept progressing from there. Lots of highs and lows and always still learning
What do you get up to day to day at work?
Every day is a different install. Unless we are working on a commercial job then we can be on the same site for a while. While the process is generally the same, each paper and space is different. There’s a lot of planning and prep that goes into a good install.
Who inspired you to choose this career?
There wasn’t really anyone initially that inspired me but I was intrigued about this relatively unknown trade that was having a resurgence but there didn’t seem to be many installers
Taking the risk and starting something completely new was scary but I would say it was the support of my family and friends that helped. Especially my parents who were really encouraging even though it seemed like a crazy decision at the time
What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Learning everything from scratch, putting myself out there, imposter syndrome, entering a male dominated world, learning to run a business, trying to juggle everything
What do you love most about your trade?
I love how it can quickly transform a space and how stoked my clients are.
I love the precision and attention to detail
I love the contact with all the different people – clients, designers, architects, builders, other trades and the suppliers.
I love being able to run my own schedule and the freedom that gives me to live a more balanced life, or work my ass off when needed
My most proud career achievement is:
Probably installing a gold leaf hand painted De Gourney mural on a circular column for a jewellery store, that was tricky
My future career goals are:
Keep getting better at my craft and trying to keep that life work balance in check
Some things I wish I had known when I started:
I just wish that when I was 16 and confused about what to do when leaving school that I knew starting a trade was an option, it was never an option back then. That has changed a lot now, and I’m excited to see how more woman entering the trades changes the industry
**Has your career choice impacted your life outside work? **
New hobbies, confidence, or opportunities, or maybe less time to yourself, needing to juggle home life/sports to fit with shifts for some examples.
I think its been good for my sport/activities because I can juggle it round to suit me. When the surfs good at home I’ll start work later or finish early. Sometimes it doesn’t work out because of deadlines etc but I know I’m happier and more efficient if I’ve had time to go do the things I love
The only thing is that I always struggle to keep on top of all the admin that comes with running a business. Emails, quote, invoices. Constant changing around the schedule to make everything work. I come home from work some nights and spent hours doing admin but you get used to it, always chasing your tail
**What advice would you give someone looking to get into your line of work? **
Hustle…hustle…talk to everyone in the industry, find someone you want to work for and approach them. Nothing ever comes to you, you have to work hard for it
Anything we haven’t asked that you think potential tradies would like to hear?
Working in the trades would suit someone that likes to be on their feet all day, work with their hands, get stuck it. I love having a job that’s tangible…you see what you have done each day and it feels good. There are challenges you are faced being a woman on sites but most people are cool and the culture is changing – it’s becoming more diverse and inclusive. It can be a little intimidating when you start out but once your confident in what you do, you won’t care about that.
Who inspired you to choose this career?
There wasn’t really anyone initially that inspired me but I was intrigued about this relatively unknown trade that was having a resurgence but there didn’t seem to be many installers
Taking the risk and starting something completely new was scary but I would say it was the support of my family and friends that helped. Especially my parents who were really encouraging even though it seemed like a crazy decision at the time
What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Learning everything from scratch, putting myself out there, imposter syndrome, entering a male dominated world, learning to run a business, trying to juggle everything
What do you love most about your trade?
I love how it can quickly transform a space and how stoked my clients are.
I love the precision and attention to detail
I love the contact with all the different people – clients, designers, architects, builders, other trades and the suppliers.
I love being able to run my own schedule and the freedom that gives me to live a more balanced life, or work my ass off when needed
My most proud career achievement is:
Probably installing a gold leaf hand painted De Gourney mural on a circular column for a jewellery store, that was tricky
My future career goals are:
Keep getting better at my craft and trying to keep that life work balance in check
Some things I wish I had known when I started:
I just wish that when I was 16 and confused about what to do when leaving school that I knew starting a trade was an option, it was never an option back then. That has changed a lot now, and I’m excited to see how more woman entering the trades changes the industry
**Has your career choice impacted your life outside work? **
New hobbies, confidence, or opportunities, or maybe less time to yourself, needing to juggle home life/sports to fit with shifts for some examples.
I think its been good for my sport/activities because I can juggle it round to suit me. When the surfs good at home I’ll start work later or finish early. Sometimes it doesn’t work out because of deadlines etc but I know I’m happier and more efficient if I’ve had time to go do the things I love
The only thing is that I always struggle to keep on top of all the admin that comes with running a business. Emails, quote, invoices. Constant changing around the schedule to make everything work. I come home from work some nights and spent hours doing admin but you get used to it, always chasing your tail
**What advice would you give someone looking to get into your line of work? **
Hustle…hustle…talk to everyone in the industry, find someone you want to work for and approach them. Nothing ever comes to you, you have to work hard for it
Anything we haven’t asked that you think potential tradies would like to hear?
Working in the trades would suit someone that likes to be on their feet all day, work with their hands, get stuck it. I love having a job that’s tangible…you see what you have done each day and it feels good. There are challenges you are faced being a woman on sites but most people are cool and the culture is changing – it’s becoming more diverse and inclusive. It can be a little intimidating when you start out but once your confident in what you do, you won’t care about that.
Meet Bee Croft, Carpenter with JFC
Growing up in Palmerston North, Bree Croft knew from a young age that her career would be outdoors; office life just didn't seem like fun. Straight out of high school, Bree wanted to join the trades, but feeling shy and unsure about joining, Bree began her first job in a daycare alongside her mum. Earning money felt good, but after a while, Bree felt the urge to give carpentry a go. Despite being nervous about the unknown, Bree set out to take her next career step.
As Bree says, "It was still scary, but I thought, you're older now and more mature. Put on those big girl pants and go for it. Otherwise, I was just going to stay somewhere I wasn't happy". Bree started carpentry training with ELE Workforce, which offered a pre- apprenticeship programme for Maori. Through ELE, she was placed with John Fillmore Contracting (JFC) on a large-scale earthworks development for Fisher & Paykel in Highbrook. Shortly after starting, Bree was offered a job with JFC but initially declined to continue her carpentry path. Her manager then explained the value of exploring different construction areas as a young person, and that she will get carpentry exposure on civil projects. Taking this advice, Bree signed a contract with JFC and began her career in civil construction.
Upskilling and building confidence
Bree has been working on the Westhaven Seawall Upgrade in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. The project is in its early stages, so over the past two months, she has worked on ducting, concreting, road rehabilitation, and carpentry with on-site formwork. There are many opportunities on a JFC project, allowing everyone in the team to constantly learn and upskill. Applying her new skills gained from the Fisher & Paykel site, Bree confidently participated in the ducting portion of the project.
Whanau life
Working further away from home can be challenging for Bree, who has a young family. However, looking at the bigger picture, Bree is confident that what she does is worth it. Her family's support has kept Bree going. Flexible work hours on some days help Bree and her family manage and keep weekends for family time.
Advice to young tradies in the making
"If it's something you're interested in and passionate about, why not do it? You need to be happy at work and enjoy what you're doing. Taking the first step is the hardest, but it becomes easy once you're there and settle in."
Initially, asking questions was tough, but now Bree encourages it. "Even though you can help out on-site, you need to think about why you are doing it this way; everything's got a reason." She also says to build good relationships with your team and management and learn maths while you can!
Surprise yourself!
"My biggest achievement is having the courage to do this. I'm a very reserved person; I go with the flow. People who know me can't believe I did this. I'm not the type to get out of my comfort zone, but finding the confidence to do it feels good."
Looking ahead
Bree has joined the JFC's in-house Training Academy for skilled labourer pathway, offering on-site practical learning and formal qualifications. JFC offers many different roles and opportunities. A project manager has advised Bree to pair herself with a carpenter to further her basic skills. Most projects involve rough carpentry throughout, allowing Bree to continue with basic skills and use hand tools. More complex finishing and detailing are required for the construction of elaborate structural features of streetscape projects, which offers another opportunity for Bree to keep exploring her interest in carpentry. JFC are always looking to hire the right people. If you're interested in working in construction, all you need to bring is a hardworking and team player attitude, and we will teach you the rest. Apply online at www.jfcltd.co.nz/careers
-JFC
CONTRACTOR OF CHOICE SINCE 1968.
Bridgestone Careers Day - Auckland Airport, 4 May 2024
Bridgestone New Zealand is hiring!
Learn about the opportunities available at their Careers Open Day on Saturday 4th May, 10am - 3pm Bridgestone Select - Auckland Airport
Can't make it? Email HR Business Partner Shivani Nath at Shivani.Nath@bridgestone.com.au or call 09 573 6346.
KiwiRail wants to take you places!
In the latest issue of the Tradie Magazine, we hear from Anna Skerrett, who works for KiwiRail as a Rail Operator.
Working outdoors in all conditions, she coordinates with different teams to separate wagons and deliver them to various customers. See her story on page 6.
Find out how to join KiwiRail and stop by their awesome facebook page!
Click the image below to read more:
Getting women into trades: Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
The Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau Women in Trades event took place on April 9, welcoming over 250 students from local secondary schools and women interested in exploring careers in the trades. A heartfelt thank you and ka pai to our sponsors and the dedicated organising committee, led by Co-Chair Kylie Taffard and the WiT committee with assistance from Event Manager Karen Caso, for making the event a success.
KiwiRail team at the Auckland Women in Trades Event 9 Apri 2024
Special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for their creative "give-it-a-go" displays that offered attendees a hands-on taste of the opportunities in the trades, from operating heavy machinery to exploring roles at KiwiRail, EQUANS, Jobs and Skills Hubs, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), Mito, Competenz, Etco, New Zealand Steel, Mast Academy NZ, Unitec, Dulux, Komatsu, Live Well Build Well Waihanga Ora, Waste Management, Connexis, EarnLearn, Omexom and ATT Apprenticeship Training Trust. Through your support attendees learned about the potential career paths within the trades.
MC'd by Jennifer Parker, General Manager of Licensed Renovations, the panel featured a diverse group of women who exemplify the positive shift by companies actively seeking to hire more women. From an experienced manager to newcomers, panellists included National Resources Manager Racheal Fenton from KiwiRail, who spoke about her experience leading a predominantly male team. Veteran plumber Kellie Hinton, second-year apprentice Patsy Gadsby from Competenz, and MIT Carpentry apprentice Christina Rose passionately discussed the importance of self-confidence and the growing openness of the trades to women. Zoe Shing from TSA Management, Heather Mansfield from Savory Construction, and Nerrisa Ross from Fletcher Living elaborated on their project management, quality assurance, and site management roles. They highlighted how their employers foster career growth, showcasing the varied roles and pathways that are now available to women.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their interest in joining the trades. The event's impact was clear, as one student noted she is “more determined and encouraged to succeed in [her] training at MIT”. Several attendees praised the event for enlightening them about other paths and opportunities. They are interested in learning about various trades, including carpentry, engineering, project management, electrical, leadership, and more.
“It introduced me to many new careers I had not thought about before. The event has given me better understanding.” With another saying that they are “definitely going to get into a trade industry.”
Charlotte McKeon, a trade teacher from One Tree Hill College, praised the variety of experiences available to her students and the welcoming nature of the exhibitors. Career advisors also noted a desire for more information on how the industry can support individuals with disabilities, including those with vision impairments.
Congratulations to our prize winners, with KiwiRail giving away two scenic passes for their stunning Great Journeys train and MAST Academy New Zealand awarding a prize for guessing the weight of their America's Cup wheel.
Congratulations to the winner. Presented by Racheal Fenton National Resources Manager at KiwiRail.
A massive thank you again to all our sponsors who made this inspirational event possible.
Taranaki event success!
The Taranaki Women in Trades event kick-started our events around the motu. On Tuesday 19 March, we welcomed students from local secondary schools and women keen to explore the trades and the many opportunities available to them.
A massive thank you and ka pai to our sponsors and the passionate organising committee led by WiTT’s Katrina Mayo, all who made the event a massive success. Thank you to all the exhibitors for taking time out and for sharing your enthusiasm with creative give-it-a-go displays, giving attendees a taste of what's on offer in the trades.
Attendees got up close and personal trying their hand at operating diggers, making electrical circuits work, tools, painting and plastering, changing a tyre, virtual reality head sets, tried on workwear, and operating specialised equipment from Methanex and First Gas (Clarus) and much more!
A massive thank you to all of our sponsors who made the event happen:
The energy and enthusiasm at the event were palpable. Brodie Kane rallied the students and MC’d an inspiring panellist discussion led by the students’ questions. The students asked about how to enter the trades, how much support our panellist's received from employers, and how they juggle life and their careers. The advice from our panellists was clear, you need to back yourself and the trades can take you anywhere you want to go.
Events like these are crucial in breaking down barriers, misconceptions and stereotypes to open up pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. It's heartening to see such strong interest and support from the Taranaki community.
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and supported this initiative. Your involvement is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse trades sector.
Our next event is Auckland, 9 April 2024 from 10am-2pm at Due Drop Events Centre! https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/getting-women-into-trades-auckland-tamaki-makaurau/auckland/manukau-city#none
A massive thank you to all of our panellists and organising committee members who helped to make this happen:
Panel Speakers:
Lakein Cottam – First Gas / Clarus
Katie Bolland – Taranaki Electrical Services
Keely Feaver – Methanex
Kimberly de Vries – Fulton Hogan
Hayley Smith – Taranaki Roofing
MC – Brodie Kane
Organising Committee:
Kylie Taffard & Whitney Murrie - Women in Trades
Katrina Mayo - WITT Te Pūkenga / Project Maunga
Katie Bollond - Taranaki Electrical Services and Master Electricians
Hineakura Tokotaua - Te Heru Māpara
Kerrie Thompson-Booth ad Angela Ferguson - WITT Te Pūkenga
Hayley Smith - Taranaki Roofing
Nuala Donnelly - Connected.govt
Tetsu Garnett - He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki
Mary Sagan and Melissa Keith - Chamber Hub
Lesley Johnson - Leighs Construction
Check out the latest issue of the Tradie New Zealand Magazine
In this issue we talk about some of the changes we're seen in the industry and our upcoming events!
Attend our 2024 free events!
See our list of 2024 events here!
Are you interested in exploring a career path filled with opportunities for growth, innovation, and fulfillment? Curious about the challenges of being a woman in the trades? Not sure which trade or training path is right for you? Then Women in Trades are running the event for you!
…COME AND INVESTIGATE A FREE TRADES CAREER AT THE WOMEN IN TRADES EXPO!
· Taranaki, 19 March 2024, 11am-3pm, TET Stadium, 1 Elliot Street, Inglewood
· Auckland, 9 April 2024, 10am-2pm, Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri
· Wellington, August 2024 details still to be confirmed.
· Timaru, 8 August 2024, 10am, Caroline Bay Hall.
We are a not-for-profit showcasing the benefits and rewarding careers you can have in the trades. We are in our 7th year of running this exciting and immersive event, especially for women.
COME ALONG TO:
meet potential employers, industry training providers, tertiary institutes and industry organisations
listen to an inspiring Keynote speech
interact with a lively panel of trades gurus
learn the next steps to undertake your trades training and career.
HIGHLIGHTS:
First, get hands-on and try different trades in our 'Give it a Go' segment. Try your hand at some fun tradie skills and talk with experienced people (and tradeswomen!) from across the trades. You'll learn about career paths, training and job opportunities.
After some delicious kai (free!), we'll hear from a Keynote Speaker. A tradeswoman working on the tools will share her journey and insights. An interactive panel discussion about the ins and outs and unique challenges for women of the tradie life follows this.
Last year, Timaru Girls High school students attended our Christchurch event, leaving inspired and motivated. According to their teacher, Jo Shaw:
"The girls loved the experience... Your panel of tradeswomen was awesome too!!"
Now, we're bringing this empowering experience back to Timaru, thanks to such positive feedback.
Meet Kimberly de Vries - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist
• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?
I have worked in Construction for 17 years, during this time I have had two children, now 5 and 7.
• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?
I have worked in construction since leaving Canterbury University.
• How did you get into the Trades?
I studied Geography at Canterbury Uni, while studying a Coastal Studies paper, we visited a construction site among the dunes. The lecturer started asking us how we thought the dunes would be reinstated. I started to think about applying my degree in the construction sector.
I then wrote letters to a few construction companies communicating the type of role I was looking for. A company who got back to me created a role for me as an Environmental advisor, it was the same company whose construction site we visited at Uni. As part of my new role, I managed the reinstatement of those same dunes I visited 😊
• Who are you completing your training with?
I worked as an environmental manager for two years, I then got an opportunity to work as a site engineer on a tunnelling project in Auckland, the company offered to pay for me to study toward a NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering. I studied part time for 4 years.
• How have you progressed in your career?
I worked as a site engineer and over my career have processed up to Project Engineer, Project Manager and to where I currently am as the Contracting Division Manager in Taranaki for Fulton Hogan looking after a team of 55.
Although my career looks very linear I was provided opportunities to build on my capabilities along the way, I have also worked in specialist roles, including programming, communications, quality, traffic management. These have provided the opportunities enhance my knowledge in the construct industry, all of which benefit me in my current management roll.
• What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day looks very different, which is one of the things I love. My days involves the following, checking in with my engineers to help work through challenges on site, communicating with suppliers / subcontractors/ clients, tendering, HR related tasks for the team – career conversations, programming and learning.
“I have had to challenge my own mindset on the possibility to continue working in construction while having children. I assumed I would need to move to an office based role while having children [...], I didn’t see many other women doing it. Thanks to a supportive husband, putting up strong boundaries and having a supportive employer it has been possible.”
• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I have had to challenge my own mindset on the possibility to continue working in construction while having children. I assumed I would need to move to an office based role while having children, as when I entered construction, I didn’t see many other women doing it. Thanks to a supportive husband, putting up strong boundaries and having a supportive employer it has been possible.
• What do you love most about your trade?
I love the people, I have worked with amazingly skilled and talented people. As a women I have always felt supported and encouraged to challenge myself.