Meet Hayley Smith - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist

• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?

My Trade is Roofing. I have been in the construction industry for 6 years. During this time my Husband and I started our Roofing Company B.A.R.S Roofing.

• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?

My previous career was in finance. My goal was to be what everyone classified as “successful” I had the high paying job, big house expensive car nice things, but I was miserable. After having kids my view on what’s important really shifted, and I found myself drawn to the construction industry. There are so many inspiring and resourceful people in the construction industry! I got my foot in the door as the finance manager of a local building company. Once I figured out the ins and outs of business, I was able to start our own company.

• How did you get into the Trades?

I started out managing our company. You know, as the office lady. Then I started going on sites to hold things, as an extra set of hands. Next thing you know, I’ve got my own tool belt and tools, and I’m on site any chance I could get! I loved it. I wanted to do my apprenticeship to prove that I know my shit. I’m not just the office lady. As part of owning a business, it made sense to work to become qualified.

“I started out managing our company. You know, as the office lady. Then I started going on sites to hold things, as an extra set of hands. Next thing you know I’ve got my own tool belt and tools and I’m on site any chance I could get! I loved it. ”

— Hayley Smith

• Who are you completing your training with?

Vertical horizonz. I’m in my third year as a Roofing apprentice.

• Who inspired you to choose this career?

My husband. Eww cute aye. We didn’t come from money so we wanted to break the cycle and start something amazing to support the success of our children.

• How have you progressed in your career?

Our company would do contract work for one of the main roofing companies, Roofing Taranaki. I built such an incredible relationship with them that they wanted to hire me as their HSE and Marketing Assistant. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to balance this role alongside being on the tools, running our own company and having a family.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

First stop is coffee! Then if I’m in the office I head in and clear my emails and check that all health and safety paperwork is up to date for all of our current jobs. One day I could be organizing traffic management and the next I’m showing up on site to ruin your day with a site audit, haha. If I’m on the tools I’m often heading to our suppliers to pick up gear etc then heading to site to give the team a hand on the roof. We are mostly doing TPO at the moment which is a roofing membrane that you’ll see used in internal gutters or flat roofs.

• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

My strength. There’s no way I was going to stand back and let someone else carry my sheet or throw my ladder on top of my truck. No way, I’m playing with the big boys and I wasn’t about to let the team down. There are times of course when I can’t muscle things but in those times I can drop back and do other things that require higher attention to detail. Your team will always find the best way to utilize each other’s strengths.

Also, old dinosaurs on site that think girls don’t know anything. The funniest thing is them ignoring me and asking one of our crew a question. Only for them to just point to me and say go ask her she’s the boss.

• What do you love most about your trade?

I love the relationships and banter. Its nothing like the catty vibe you get in an office full of women! It’s like a fun family vibe. Someone’s always got a stupid funny story to tell. You’re constantly paying one another out which is fun. You can be honest and tell someone they are being a dickhead one day and then be having a heart to heart the next. You can be unapologetically you.

Meet Lakein Renee Cottam - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist

• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?

I have been working at First Gas (Clarus) for 4 years in the Corrosion Prevention Team. During the first two years, I was in excavations, digging up the line and repairing any coating defects. For the last two years, I focused more on the Cathodic Protection of the pipeline. I am in my third year of an electrical apprenticeship, which coincides with my Cathodic Protection work.

• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?

I have completely flipped the boat in terms of careers! I came out of high school and went overseas as an au pair, then started as an air hostess in Brisbane. When I returned home, I entered into a construction role and started as a Water Reticulation Technician at Offshore Plumbing Services.

“The old tale that the pipeline industry is just a big old boys club. I like to describe it like airport security – (customs) the wall/gate is up until you go through the scanners, and they check you out to make sure you aren’t carrying any explosives then it all opens up, and you are on your way. ”

— Lakein Renee Cottam

• How did you get into the Trades?

My previous bosses sat me down and showed me the job advertisement for my current role and said this is the next pathway to climb the career ladder in Pipelines. I loved what I was doing, but with professional growth in mind, I put in my application.

• Who are you completing your training with?

I am currently doing a Dual Trade, My Cathodic Protection Apprenticeship is a time based learning, so every Level of Training is based on time in trade accompanied by a 1 week block featuring two exams. These qualifications are run through Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) in Australia.

My Electrical Apprenticeship is run through Te Pukenga.

• How have you progressed in your career?

I am currently a qualified CP1 – Tester, however I am on my way to obtaining my CP2 Qualification.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

My normal work routine most weeks involves travelling around the North Island completing pipeline surveys like DCVG – Direct Current Voltage Gradient Surveys or troubleshooting our CP Pipeline Rectifiers.

• Who inspired you to choose this career?

My grandfather, father, uncles and brothers have all been involved in the pipeline industry in the past, whether it was the first pipeline install or working on the rigs. I have always been around the industry, brought up by people in the industry. It inspired me to do something that would contribute to the dinner table conversations.

• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The old tale that the pipeline industry is just a big old boys club, I like to describe it like airport security – (customs) the wall/gate is up until you go through the scanners, and they check you out make sure you aren’t carrying any explosives then it all opens up, and you are on your way. This industry can be exactly like that, you come in and guards are everywhere, everyone is scoping you out seeing who you are, what you are capable of then bam the guards drop as they realise you aren’t a threat, or you aren’t there to make their jobs harder. Then it's like one big family.

• What do you love most about your trade?

My Trade is quite specialist in NZ, there are few qualified Cathodic Protection Technicians. I love knowing that I am learning something a lot of people don’t understand or even know about.

Meet Keely Feaver - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist

Keely’s career success story is proof that a career in trades is a viable pathway to a fulfilling future. A “learning by doing” person, she has years of Electrical Engineering experience under her tool belt. These skills served as a solid foundation for a rewarding career - today, she’s a Gas Supply Scheduler at Methanex, New Zealand.

• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?

After attending a presentation by Defence at school, I settled on joining the Navy. With marine technicians needed at the time, I took on a marine trade apprenticeship.

Marine technicians look after all the ship's systems except weapons and computers – engines, electrical generation and distribution, fridges, air conditioning, toilets... I jumped in without knowing the names of any tools - it was a steep learning curve.

I was with the Royal NZ Navy for 6 years as a Marine Technician (Electrical). After the Navy, I joined Methanex as Field Operator in 2012, and later moved to a Panel Operator position in 2016. I am now in a Gas Supply Scheduling role.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

Operations look after the plant around the clock. We work in 12-hour shifts. Each shift, you are assigned a section of the plant that you're responsible for. At the beginning of our shift, we do an inspection of our plant area to make sure everything is OK, and we monitor over the day to make sure there are no changes.

If there is equipment that needs fixing, we de-energise the equipment and lock it out to make sure no-one is going to get hurt while it’s being worked on. After the work is complete, we bring the equipment back online.

We are also the emergency response team in the event of a fire or other emergency. We make sure the people on site are safe, we protect the environment and machinery.

“I jumped in without knowing the names of any tools - it was a steep learning curve.”

— Keely Feaver

• Who inspired you to choose this career?

After attending the Defence presentation, it seemed like a good option. Free accommodation and food, free uniform, free travel, free fitness classes – best of all, no student loans.

• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

There were a lot of days I felt completely out of my depth, and I thought I was never going to be any good in my trade. I’m a learning by doing person, so I think getting that confidence just takes showing up to work every day and getting lots of experience.

• What do you love most about your trade?

In Ops, no matter how much work is left to do - at the end of your shift you can hand it all over, which means work and home can be separate.

Meet Katie Bollond - Taranaki 19 March 2024 Panellist

• What trade are you in, and how long you have been working in the industry?

I got into the trade fresh out of school and began in the office of a local electrical company doing the administration work. From there I worked and ran various other electrical businesses, which enhanced my knowledge and taught me so much. In 2018, I bought into Taranaki Electrical Services (TES) and became director of the business. In 2022, I began my electrical apprenticeship and took on the role of the first ever female president for Master Electricians NZ.

• What was your previous career, and how did you get into the trades?

I have always been in the electrical industry! I didn’t so much “choose” the trade but grew into it and love it!

• How did you get into the Trades?

I got tired of the male narrative and being asked “can I talk to one of the boys” after years and years of this, so took the leap and decided to get the trade.

“I got tired of the male narrative and being asked “can I talk to one of the boys” [...], so took the leap and decided to get the trade.”

— Katie Bollond

• Who are you completing your training with?

I'm in my 2nd year of the apprenticeship and am with Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) or Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki.

• How have you progressed in your career?

I have grown from beginning as a data entry administrator to running electrical businesses and their teams and planning. In 2012, I moved to TES and assisted with getting them updated and digital and worked the team from there. In 2018, I bought in on the business and then took the leap into my apprenticeship. My knowledge with the background parts, pricing, scheduling has been a huge help with being on the tools and doing the work hands on!

• What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m at work daily from 7.30am and on call 24/7, so life is hectic! I’m on the tools 2-3 days a week working alongside my staff with my apprentice hat on 😊 Then evenings I’m on bookwork and running the business again. The kind of work we undertake is commercial and residential – lots of physical climbing, lifting, and testing.

• What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Being a Mum, juggling kids, business and people’s perceptions and opinions. I’m loving the fact there are girls and women out there wanting to make change and have more wahine in the trades, but feel we are such a long way off this being a “norm” and not a novelty. Comments and double-takes happen nearly every site visit, but facing this and normalising women in the workforce/trades is a challenge I love to tackle head on.

• What do you love most about your trade?

The banter, the laughs, and the people. I’m a huge believer as a business owner and tradie that we should ALL wake up and be happy going to our workplace – normalising a sense of belonging and camaraderie. So, for me, enabling and encouraging this via my own business, with my customers while on the tools and with other local electricians and business owners is a passion of mine.

Women in Trades Wednesday - Meet Kat Billing

This Women in Trades Wednesday we talk to Kat Billing, a full-time welder MIg/arc in structural steel for D&H Steel Construction based in West Auckland.

Not only is New Zealand in need of skilled welders, but there are also opportunities available internationally. For those considering a career in welding, Kat encourages them by emphasizing the numerous possibilities and entry-level positions available. With various types of welding for different metals and applications, individuals can explore exciting paths such as building boats, bridges, high-rise buildings, coaches, trailers, and even working on air conditioning ducts or stainless pipe for the dairy industry.

Growing up in a family of boatbuilders, engineers, panel beaters, and mechanics, it's no surprise that Kat found her passion in the trades. With a mechanically minded father who pursued a career in engineering, she quickly discovered a shared love for anything with an engine. However, it was during her studies in mechanical engineering that she stumbled upon her true calling - the welding shop. Although she enjoyed using machinery like the press, lathe, and milling machine, it was the art of welding that truly ignited her joy. Drawing inspiration from other female welders and engineers, Kat embarked on her career path in the trades.

Kat has been welding professionally for 3 years now and got her current job through my MPTT coordinator Tu Nu'uali'itia. Kat says “I was very fortunate to receive a scholarship through the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training that helped toward my study which was the Certificate of Mechanical Engineering. Just before graduating I was fortunate to be connected (through Tu) with Cameron Rogers workshop manager of D&H Steel construction. I got a tour of the workshop and from that visit I was keen to start and willing to give anything a go.”

Although she hasn’t done an apprenticeship yet and has progressed in her career through hands-on experience. Since coming on the shop floor, she has wanted to weld and knows at any point she can approach management if she would like to embark on starting an apprentice in heavy fabrication or the boilermaker apprenticeship.

“With my mechanical engineering studies, we did welding practical and theory and though that's great to have a little experience, it'll never compare to what I have learned hands on over the last 3 years welding at D&H. I am a ticketed welder which is required at my work but there is opportunity to sit other tickets like for pipe welding and arc welding that is more so applicable for site welding work” says Kat.

Kat loves the variety of work! “You never get bored, and I am challenged most days. Every day you work on something different”. She has been fortunate enough to work on bigger projects like K frames, rafters and structural pipe columns but says it’s always a nice change when you get smaller jobs every now and then. The hours vary at work from week to week, which is great cause you get a bit of a break.

When asked about her biggest challenge Kat said “I think my biggest challenge was mainly my own self-doubt and lack of confidence in the beginning when I started welding. Also, I'll be honest that there was a bit sexism I had to face when I first started out. My colleagues suggested I get an office job and that I didn't belong there and It's a man's job. Comments as such do affect you but, if you work for a good company like the one, I work for, they'll be quick to discourage that behavior and comments like that are punishable. I am no longer subject to such remarks in the workplace”. She also wishes she wasn't so hard on herself. “It does you no good comparing yourself to others when first starting out because they're experienced, and you are learning. I wish I took my time and didn't pressure myself.”

Kat's proudest career moments up to this point have been working on the pipe columns for Taranaki Hospital and the first batch of pipes for the Auckland Airport upgrade. As a welder, she takes pride in every project she gets to work on. It's an incredible feeling to pass by completed apartments and know that she and her colleagues' hard work went into framing those buildings. Additionally, her employer, D&H, provides opportunities for site tours, allowing her to see the ongoing construction and spot the different parts she has personally worked on. This gives her a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

And her advice for anyone thinking about getting into the industry? Give it a go!

“You don't know if you're going to be good at something if you don't try it. I sat on taking up a welding job for many years due to lack of confidence in myself. Though there are many companies out there willing to take people with no experience it always shows an employer initiative if you've done some kind of certificate or study first. Like I did the Certificate Mechanical Engineering through Unitec and obviously through that experience found that I really loved welding and it re-ignited my passion for it. There's a great course through The New Zealand Welding School and I am sure a google search will present other courses and study that will get you a certificate to help get your foot through the door. I left high school early and went straight into labouring and didn't take up welding for a good while so don't let age be a barrier either. I truly believe the prerequisite for this kind of work is a good attitude toward health and safety and a good attitude in general. It's good to have willingness to learn and an understanding that the skill set comes through experience.”

Follow Kat and her welding journey on Instragm @Kadillakkat

Women in Trades Wednesday - Meet Hayley Allen

In celebration of Women in Trades Wednesday, we had the opportunity to chat with Hayley Allen, the deserving winner of this year's Ravensdown Groundspread NZ Young Achiever Award. Hayley's incredible achievements and dedication to her trade are truly inspirational. As a young woman breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, she is paving the way for future generations of women seeking successful careers in trades.

Inspired by Teenie Hounslow and having always had a passion for trucks Hayley left hospitality work and has been in the truck driving and fertilizer spreading industry for the last 3.5 years.

After hearing great things about Renwick Transport, Hayley approached the business and secured her job. She was very nervous and had to overcome her anxiety and “get in and do it”. Hayley is training with Peter Shannon from Training Solutions, as well as learning from her colleagues who have been passing on their own advice and knowledge.

Hayley has progressed quickly in her short time at Renwick, she now has her Class 2-5, her WTR and forklift license and is Spreadmark certified. She also runs the team while the bosses are away. But she is most proud of gaining her Class 5, and of course, winning the 2023 Ravensdown Groundspread NZ Young Achiever Award.

Hayley loves going to farms and seeing the amazing views, and spends her days farm spreading, vineyard spreading and mixing fert, she also does general freight runs when needed.

In a world where many struggle to find true fulfillment in their careers, Hayley stands out as a example of how the right career brings joy and personal growth. With enthusiasm in her voice, she shares that her current professional path has done wonders for her self-assurance, taking her confidence to new heights.

Not sure if truck driving or ground spreading could be the job for you? Hayley says, “If you like agricultural jobs, and great views get into it, even if you like four-wheel driving, it’s something we do every day”. She also has some advice for someone looking to get into her line of work - “See if you can jump in for a ride and see if it’s what you want to do, and if it is, approach companies”.

Hayley's journey as a truck driver and ground spreader serves as an inspiration for all aspiring women in the skilled trade industry. As the recipient of the 2023 young achievers award, her success not only highlights her talent and dedication but also showcases the limitless opportunities available to women in trades.

Women in Trades Wednesday - Dani Rochford

This Women in Trades Wednesday Dani shares about working as a women in signwriting.

Dani has been working full-time in signwriting for about a year. Before this, she was doing a gateway course at Signlink through her school for two years in a row.

"This is my first job and I'm loving it every day. So far I have done the Signee course and I'm going on to do more training in the near future as well as an apprenticeship."

Every day at work is different, as Dani does a wide range of jobs - from simple flat panel signs, to big shop installs and car wraps. "I first heard about the industry when I did gateway at Signlink, I was going to be learning about design, but decided when I saw what else they do, that signwriting was more my speed."

When asked about challenges she has faced, Dani said "When I first started at Signlink I didn't have anyone to drive me up the hill their workshop is based on, so every morning I would walk 20 minutes up the hill to get to work and 20 minutes back home afterwards. There were, and still are, a lot of challenges with lifting signs and panels, at first I couldn't move the full-sized panels on my own and had to ask for help."

Dani says there is a lot she loves about her trade, but the best is definitely always being able to create something that others will appreciate, "learning how to make the more complicated signs that not everyone wants - but look unique and stand out" is one of her favourites.

One thing Dani is proud of in her career is the first time she manufactured a 3D box out of brushed ACM and black acrylic lettering, "it gave me a whole new boost to my confidence and taught me a lot through the process."

Dani days "My current goals are doing the Yoobee design course and then doing the apprenticeship, I also hope to learn and get better at what I already know so I can to it to the best of my ability."

Danis out-of-work life hasn't changed to much with her job, the only difference is being asked three main things all the time, "If we do tinting, if I can make someone a sticker or if I can wrap someone's car," other than that she says is pretty much the same.

Tips for people aspiring to be a signwriter - be curious, ask plenty of questions, and be ready and willing to learn. "Something I wish I knew when I started is just how under developed the signwriting training is compared to other trades."

So far, 99% of the signwriters she's meet have been great people, curious and creative, always ready to learn something new and always willing to teach you tips and tricks, Dani says "it's a great trade to get into!"

Women in Trades Wednesday - Jen and Jax

This Women in Trades Wednesday, we are lucky enough to share the inspiring stories of two amazing women who work at Renwick Transport Spreading   

Jen 

Jen has been in the transport and ground spreading industry for the last 15 years after being inspired by her father. She was initially approached by her parents to join the family business in 2003 and then in 2005 but said no, but with the family business growing she decided to leave the hospitality field to be mentored by her father and learnt on the job as she went. 

Being a female in a previously male dominated role was difficult, but a challenge she overcame, progressing from an administrative role to that of a co-owner alongside her sister! – which is also one of her proudest achievements, that, as well as an insurance advert for NZI Insurance (you can see the ad on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7sgN0wYeHk).  Jens long term goals are to continue to help run the successful family owned and operated business. 

Jen's day to day work is varied – on any given day she can be planning jobs for trucks or driving trucks herself!  She also tackles admin, finance and wages.  Jen loves the people she works with, driving the spreader trucks and the teamwork involved, but she does wish she had known how long the days would be and that the rewards wouldn’t be instant –but they would come.  Jen says, “It took a long time to find a work/life balance but it’s all about challenges and overcoming them” and she has met some amazing friends along the way – “and the kids love seeing the truck and guessing who is driving.” 

If you are wondering if this might be a good industry for you Jen recommends going for a ride-along for a day or 2, so that you can get a feel for what it’s all about and how rewarding it can be. “Truck driving/transport isn’t just about a bum in the seat! You can drive, do logistics, admin – everyday can be different and you get to see so many places –especially ground spreading! There are so many rewards that aren’t just about the money”. 

Jax 

After 25 years working as a pharmacy technician Jax’s career changed after a shoulder tap from her father.  Fast-forward 19 years and she is now the Managing Director/Co-Owner of Renwick Transport Spreading. 

Jax has had a great mentor throughout her career that has impacted the success of her career.  Inspired by her father “who could sell ice to eskimoes” she worked from the ground up. Starting in admin she worked her way to management and ownership.  It can be challenging being a woman in the transportation industry, earning respect from work colleagues and building client relationships but Jax has taken it all in stride.  Her day-to-day work starts at 6am checking paperwork and analyzing timesheets, she then oversees daily operations and managing staff, quoting jobs and setting rates. 

Jax is very proud of the positive culture she has helped create within the company, as well as purchasing the family business alongside her sister as a 50% shareholder.  She hopes to inspire other woman to join the industry while she keeps building a successful, family owned and operated company, and hopes that one day she can also mentor someone the way she was.  

When asked what she loves most about her trade, Jax says “The people I’ve met, incredible people from diverse backgrounds.  The relationships I have made have been very rewarding”.  Her career choice has impacted her work/life balance and is something she is actively working on “Family time is very valuable and precious to me” Jax stated. 

Jax’s children have been raised and grown up in the family business and have turned into fine young men. Jax says “The transport industry molds you and teaches you qualities about yourself you didn’t know you were capable of.  It can push you out of your comfort zone and the knowledge you gain overtime is invaluable”. 

Working in the trade has helped her learn to be a very independent, resilient woman but she does wish she’d known about the long-hours and that the rewards will come eventually.  Her advice to someone else thinking about joining the trade? To give the transport industry a go! Ask to work for free for a day or two in the life of a transport company, be practical and enthusiastic. 

I am so grateful to Jen and Jax for the time they took to answer my questions and share their unique perspectives. They serve as a pristine example for all aspiring women in trades. Their presence in the industry not only promotes diversity and equality but also brings about a much-needed change in perception. Their success paves the way for future generations, encouraging women everywhere to pursue their dreams fearlessly. 

Women In Trades Wednesday - Bridget Cassie

Bridget answered our questions so eloquently that we decided, rather than rewrite her story, we would simply give her the floor:

Kia ora ko Bridget Cassie tōku ingoa. Ko tauira mahi kōrere wai. I am working as an apprentice plumber, drain layer and gasfitter. I started the second year of my five-year plumbing, drain laying and gasfitting apprenticeship in December 2022 and began working in the industry in September 2021.

Tell us about previous careers if you have them and why you changed your trade.

I worked for seven years in charities in Aotearoa, after completing a Masters in International Development in the Netherlands and teaching English in Japan for three years. The first charity I worked at was VSA (Volunteer Services Abroad) – I managed relationships with other charities and businesses and looked after volunteers in Fiji, Nepal and Indonesia. While working at VSA, I met a number of plumbers who were going out to the Pacific to work on sanitation projects and provide girls in schools with safe access to toilets. My job before I started my plumbing apprenticeship was focused on youth leadership in rural Aotearoa. In my role, I supported young people to build their entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and make a difference in their small-town communities.

Before my apprenticeship, I saw how important plumbing is to people’s everyday lives. I have spent the past 16 years of my life building up some amazing interpersonal skills and, in 2021, I decided to leave the office and complement these with some good quality hard skills. I love building something physical that can make a difference in people’s lives and, as one of the few women on commercial worksites, I love making the space safer for other women and finding ways that sites can be fun and enjoyable for everyone.

When I quit my job in August 2021, a Covid lockdown began. I had given myself one month to find a job but it was a hard time to be looking for work. Because I am an organisation nerd, I made a spreadsheet and sent my CV to around 30 plumbers in Wellington. I made some phone calls to the ones who had some creative names and I liked the look of their website. I also connected with fellow female tradies and had some really great chats with @wellingtontradieladie who gave me some really good advice. A lot of people weren’t looking for apprentices, so I was getting a bit worried.

Tell us about how you got your job/apprenticeship.

A friend of mine who used to work in commercial plumbing in Wellington recommended Hockly Plumbers for their good culture and great leadership. Once I emailed them and had a meeting, we were good to go and I’ve never looked back. All up, it took me around six weeks to find my apprenticeship. I am currently undertaking my learning through Earn and Learn (previously Skills) with Te Pukenga. At the moment I feel pretty confident working by myself but, having not come from a trades background, I often have a lot of questions day-to-day when I come across something new.

What do you get up to day-to-day at work?

At the moment I am working on two commercial worksites – one 21-storey building by Parliament in Wellington and another new build up at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington). Depending on the work that needs to be done, I will be advised by my site supervisor which site I need to go to the day before or the week before. We are currently laying the drains underground for the new build at Te Herenga Waka – so we are digging, making sure there is enough fall on the pipes, and welding the UPG pipes together.

This building is part of the Living Building Challenge, which means everything we do has to be carbon-zero. So the material we use and dispose of needs to be well thought through. I am very passionate about this type of work and feel very privileged to be working and learning on this site. At the other site, I work on a number of things – one day I might be connecting vents in the riser to make sure all the toilets are vented properly, another day piping out water or waste in the bathrooms, and also decommissioning toilets and basins to allow the demolition team to smash them to smithereens! We will start the second fix soon – installing the toilets and basins and then installing kitchens on the office floors.

Who inspired you to choose this career?

I was originally inspired by the plumbers I met when I was working at VSA – during my time working at charities, I always felt a disconnect between working in an office and physically being out there doing the mahi. When I met these plumbers, and a few engineers that we sent out to the Pacific, I loved hearing about how they made an actual tangible difference in people’s lives.

What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

I have been lucky, as my family and partner have been really supportive. I haven’t come across anyone who has said a woman can’t do what I’m doing. In saying that, there is a lot of sexism in the industry, my colleagues are pretty good, but I have come across some tradies on worksites who say inappropriate things, mostly without thinking. Most of the time, I’m quite happy to speak up or say something if it’s not ok, but it can become tiring, and when you know you are paving the way for safe workplaces for more women in the future, it does feel like you have a lot on your shoulders.

Another thing I can find challenging is being someone who is pretty progressive in a space filled with a lot of conservative people. The way I work well in this space is to try to find common ground with everyone – there is always something you both are interested in – football, running, pies, or whatever.

What do you love most about your trade?

Plumbing is so multifaceted – there is so much to learn and you can never stop learning. Running waste is like lego; you have all these rules that you have to follow, and fittings you can use, to get from one place to another, and you can just be creative from there. Water and waste will always be something that is important to society – and finding ways to work both of these things into our lives sustainably is something I’m excited about and love about the trade.

What is your most proud career achievement and what are your future career goals?

At the moment I’m quite new, but I guess every time I can work by myself and finish a bathroom from start to finish, or complete all the vents on one floor, I feel like I’ve achieved so much. It is the small things that show you how much you have upskilled. In terms of my future, I’m still planning that, as I feel like I have so much to learn. However, I would like to integrate sustainable methods of plumbing into my work, and potentially have my own business one day that is aimed at supporting women and the LQBTQI+ community with their plumbing needs. There’s also the potential to do VSA one day or volunteer my skills overseas.

Has your career choice impacted your life outside work?

My new career is much more physical than my previous work, so I have definitely had times when I won’t go for a run for one week because I’m too sore. At the moment I don’t have as much responsibility as an apprentice, so the time commitments have been ok but, as time goes by, I imagine I may not be able to attend some of the Muay Thai classes I usually attend or I may need to miss football practice here and there. But that is the usual trajectory in any job when you take on more responsibility.

What advice would you give someone looking to get into your line of work?

Call everyone, and give me a bell too. If you want to talk to someone from my trade, look on Instagram and reach out to people – I found that really useful as you have a solid network of female tradies from the very start. I also run a monthly get-together for women in trades. If you are interested, pop me a line and I’ll invite you along to the next meet-up. 🙂

Bridget’s IG handle: @bridgles

Equity for Women in the Trades

• What is Workplace Equity?

Workplace Equity is all about making employees feel empowered and levelling the playing field for every employee. When organisations promote equality in the workplace they benefit from the competitive advantage of employing diverse talent.

• Gender Equality

The aim of gender equality in the workplace is to achieve broadly equal opportunities and outcomes for women and men, not necessarily outcomes that are exactly the same for all. Workplace gender equality will be achieved when people are able to access and enjoy equal rewards, resources and opportunities regardless of gender.

• What does this mean for women in the trades industry?

Women have long been underrepresented in the trades, with only a small percentage of women working in these traditionally male-dominated industries. However, there is a growing movement to promote equity for women in the trades, and it is becoming increasingly important to recognise the value that women can bring to these fields.

The first step towards achieving equity for women in the trades is to ensure that they have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. This means providing equal pay, access to training and education, and equal access to job opportunities. Additionally, it is important to create an environment where women feel comfortable and supported in the workplace. This can be done through initiatives such as mentorship programs, support networks, and gender-sensitive policies.

Finally, it is important to recognise the unique contributions that women can make to the trades. Women often bring a different perspective and skillset to the table, which can be beneficial to the industry. Additionally, having more women in the trades can help to create a more diverse and inclusive environment, which can lead to increased productivity and innovation.

It is essential to promote equity for women in the trades in order to ensure that they have the same opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts. By providing equal access to training, education, and job opportunities, creating a supportive environment, and recognising the unique contributions that women can make, we can help to create a more equitable and successful industry.

Check out this amazing resource for us all to find out ways we can help diversity in our workplace - no matter what role we hold, or who we are. https://www.simpleandengaging.com/ConstructionDiversityRoadmap-tool.html