Women In Trades Wednesday- Chantelle Galvin
Chantelle Osborne-Galvin is a second-year carpentry apprentice based in Rotorua. She is currently completing her apprenticeship through Toi-Ohomai ITABS.
On how she got into her carpentry career, Chantelle explains that it wasn’t easy to find a job in her local and surrounding area- “I actually struggled to find a job in the industry. I looked as far as Taupo and Tauranga (I live in Rotorua) but still struggled, so I had to find a job in another industry while looking for the work I wanted. I was on the unemployment benefit through Work and Income when they found me a job in an administration role. I took this job and continued to look for building jobs. Over one year later, Work and Income contacted me again saying a business in Rotorua was looking for a labourer/apprentice. I met up with my now boss and had a meeting/relaxed interview and I got the job on the condition that I could start my apprenticeship after my 3-month trial.”
Not many of Chantelle’s work days look the same- “One day I’ll be digging holes for piles and the next day I might be putting in wall insulation or cladding a house. The variation is incredible. But being the newest apprentice in our team, I’m usually always doing the dirtier and/or harder jobs like digging holes, doing hardware etc.”
On what got her into her building career, a feeling that things needed to change was a motivating factor; “My specialty before carpentry was in tourism and hospitality. I dropped out of high school to complete a Diploma in Tourism Management. But it wasn't what I wanted to do. I googled job ideas and building popped up. I’d be lying if I said I didn't look up how much they earn- I got a bit more encouraged by that! Because I had absolutely no background in building and hadn't grown up around a Dad, Granddad or Uncle in the trades, I had no idea what I was doing- so I did the pre-trade course at Toi-Ohomai Rotorua. I took a spontaneous chance at trying something different and it worked out way better than I could have even imagined.”
Chantelle tells us about some challenges she’s had to overcome to get to her current point: “I’m a massive control freak, but being an apprentice means I’m at the bottom of the food chain. I have no control, and I’ve had to accept that- in the hope that one day I’ll get the control back in the form of being a site foreman and/or owning my own construction company. Also, being discriminated against- Not always said out loud by others, but in their actions. I have been to a job interview where the boss questioned my ability to do certain tasks such as 'heavy lifting' because I'm "a female and my strength may not be that of a male". I’ve had to change the way I portray myself on site so that the boys see me as equal and not above or below them. I don’t like getting special treatment for being a female, and I don’t mind struggling and asking for help if I’m given the opportunity like my workmates.”
Aside from the challenges a building trade can bring, Chantelle still has many parts of her work that she enjoys- “I love the variety of work first and foremost. I love completing different tasks everyday. I think my favourite part of my job is seeing the progression, both of myself and how far I’ve come, and also the projects we work on- starting from scratch with a slab of dirt, and making it into potentially the biggest asset/investment of someone’s life.”
Most proud career achievements to date? Chantelle fills us in: “Just being a female and making it in this industry! I know many males who couldn’t do it, both physically and mentally/intellectually. Making a massive, scary career move like I did from tourism/hospitality to building and just loving it and loving my decision. Also, every day for me is a proud moment- every day I learn something new about myself and what i’m capable of. E.g. upgrading from being told what to do all the time, to being told to go read the plans, and be able to do that and understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.”
Chantelle has many aspirations for the future- “I use the term “goals” loosely as I’m only now beginning to make moves and haven't physically written them down and planned for them- YET. I really want to be more involved in the women in trades community. Communicating with other women in different trades from all over the country and if the opportunity was to arise, overseas. I want to be able to speak to women who may be considering a job in the trades and encourage them, giving them a support network, making it easier for them than it was for myself and many other women. I want to be a qualified LBP (licenced building practitioner) with aspirations to someday own my own business - probably with many years of experience under my belt. I would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to build in other countries and see how things are done, broaden my knowledge and skills.”
On how her career choice has impacted her life outside work, your life outside work, Chantelle explains that both her social life and self-confidence have been affected in different ways, she explains: “I’ve really struggled with making new female friends. Because I’m the only female in the company, the relationships with the guys are different than what they would be with females. I believe it can be quite a lonely trade if you’re not super outgoing or a social butterfly. Outside of work, I don’t socialise a lot so therefore find it really hard to make friends that aren’t work mates. Over the years, I’ve become more confident in myself and my abilities. I see it as "I can do a job that is male dominated. If I can do that I can do *this*". Because building is a very physical job, I think it has had a negative impact on my home/social life- after a long day at work I just want to come home, relax and sleep instead of going out to socialise like other 'normal’ 22-year-olds. Apart from weekends, I don’t have much energy for "me" time.”
Advice Chantelle would you give someone looking to get into carpentry is: “Just go for it! Don't take things too seriously and just enjoy the process. You’ll see yourself transform into such a strong, independent woman. It is hard at the start- I’m not going to lie. But everything that’s worth it is not going to be easy. You will more than likely struggle with people underestimating you and questioning your abilities, but stay strong in your values and beliefs and don’t let anyone change you! I think if you’ve made the decision to get into any trade, you have the ability to make it! Trades intimidate many women, and they think they can’t do it. Just make the move and be yourself, you won’t regret it! It’s such a rewarding career mentally, physically, emotionally- everything!”
