Women In Trades Wednesday- Aroha Savage

Aroha Savage is a qualified builder who completed her apprenticeship through BCITO. She has been working in the industry for 5 years.

Not long after finishing school Aroha started working at NZ post. "I signed up with NZ post with hopes that the bicycle riding would keep me fit for rugby. Although that job was flexible and kept me fit, my dream was to one day build my own house. To do this I knew I would have to take up building."

After being with NZ post for 6 years, Aroha was flicking through a newspaper and noticed an ad for a 6 week basic carpentry course. "I did the course and was very grateful for it. I learned some very important skills while also gaining credits". She then signed up to a level 4 carpentry course at MIT in Auckland. After two weeks she felt like it wasn’t the place for her. "I started hunting through newspapers again and found a company looking for workers. I gave them a call and got an interview. I started the following week and did a 3 month trial. I was then offered an apprenticeship and I haven’t looked back since."

Watching tradies fix odd jobs around the house had also inspired Aroha to choose this career. "I’d watch builders fix things that I thought were impossible to fix, but they were actually really easy. I couldn’t get over how much it costs to fix a small job that I could’ve done myself. It inspired me to look into doing the jobs myself and then furthering it into a career."

Every day at work is different for Aroha. "In my first year I did a lot of site cleaning, small jobs and helped out the boss. I slowly worked my way onto the tools and eventually could carry out tasks on my own. Tasks like framing, finishing work, cladding, roofing, installing gib, hardware and joinery. Setting out and formwork came at a later stage in my apprenticeship, when it was easier to do on my own."

When Aroha first started, she found it challenging being on site with 10 other men. "I had to get used to their yarns and how they worked. My boss was also a hard man, he had me doing a lot of stink jobs on-site that really tested my mental strength. The first few months were hard but I stuck in there. I adjusted to the tradie life and earned my position in the team. The days were long, my belt was heavy and it took a toll on my body. I got used to it, overcame all the challenges and I'm better for it now."

The skills Aroha has learned are what she loves most about being in her trade. "I'm grateful for all the learning. Now I can build my own house and fix whatever I need on my own, without having to pay someone else a fortune to do it !"

Whilst completing her apprenticeship, Aroha successfully juggled her building and rugby careers. "5 long years in and finally earning my certificate was definitely my proudest achievement. I could travel for rugby while I wasn't on the tools. I managed to win a World Cup during this time which was another proud moment."

The future looks bright and busy for Aroha. "I have just recently had twins. I haven’t decided if I'm going to spark up my own business yet. I might spend a few more years on the tools and see where it takes me. I am possibly going to take up a teaching role to teach carpentry in high schools."

A few of years ago, Aroha held DIY classes in Kaitaia for women wanting to learn basic building skills. "It was such an awesome experience. Not just for the ladies, but for myself too. To be able to share all my knowledge with them was very special for me and very rewarding! I love helping people however I can. I learned a lot about myself during this time as well, so this is probably a time in my building career I feel most proud of too. Knowledge is a very important thing to have, but to pass it on and share with others is far more rewarding."

Choosing the building trade as a career hasn't had too much of an impact on Aroha's life outside of work. "I managed to fit work in with my personal life and my rugby career, it all worked well together. The physical side of the job kept me fit and strong for rugby. I’d train at the gym before work, work a 9 hour day, then head to training after work for another 3 hours. My boss was flexible with my time off when I needed to travel for rugby. I’ve had to take time off work now that I have children and will have to reassess my goals and plans going forward. I definitely want to stay in the trade whether or not that be physically on the tools. Building has become a passion of mine so I still want to do it, however that looks."

On advice to getting your foot in the door Aroha says, "Do as much research as you can about the trade and learn a few skills before going on-site. Find a crew you're comfortable working with and go for it. Some days are hard but don't give up. It’s all worth it once everything starts clicking. You'll be able to go and build whatever you want on your own! When I got started, It would’ve been nice to know what belt and essential tools to buy. I didn’t know this at the start and didn’t have the right gear to work with. I always give people I know a heads up on what to do/buy so they get a head start."

"It’s never too late to start! I definitely recommend giving any trade a go. The skills you learn are with you for a lifetime and you can pass them on to your kids. It’s much easier to earn while you learn. If you're a hands on learner like myself then an apprenticeship beats the classroom any day!"