On Saturday I shared my trade story of how I came to hold the position in our company that I do. I really just fell into construction, even though I had essentially been around it all my life. I had never really considered that I could make a profession out of the construction industry, especially after growing up in a time when women were really not accepted on the building site. My Dad, who was a plasterer, would take me to the job on a Saturday when he knew that no-on else would be there, and I would help him tidy up the site. I loved it, but never thought it could become my career.
An interest is a great thing to base a career on, lets have a look at the many and varied roles in which women can play a part in construction.
Women In Construction – Where Could You Fit?
There are so many ways in which women can make a career within the construction industry. First and foremost within the trades. Interested in any of the following?
- Machine Opperator
- Concretor
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Fascia and Gutter Installer
- Roofer
- Glazier
- Electrician
- Pest Controller
- Plasterer
- Painter
- Tiler
- Waterproofer
- Cabinet Maker
- Scaffolder
And I am sure there are many more! So you’ve identified one of these that sounds like something you’d like to do………what next? Well the path for you is no different than that for your male counterpart. You’ll need to find a host employer, someone who is prepared to take you on. Now this may be a little more difficult for us as women still, but I assure you there are host employers who realise the value of women in the workplace. Consider contacting a training organisation and see if there is a way for them to help you, approach the people you know in your chosen profession, get out the phone book or google all the plumbers or carpenters in your area and try to negotiate yourself an apprenticeship. Don’t forget, before you are allowed on a work site you will be required to have a white card, this is an industry standard that gears your thinking towards health and safety on the job, start with this to show that you are serious.
Not so sure about the real hands on trades, have you considered any of the following?
- Draftsperson
- Architect
- Engineer
- Interior Designer
- Interior Decorator
- Building Designer
- Building Certifier
- Project Manager
- Kitchen or Bathroom Designer
- Office Manager
- Data Entry
- Receiptionist
- Personal Assistant
These professions are all based in the construction industry and require a university education or education from a recognised training organisation. A little less hands on than the trades listed above, these may be a great alternative for those of us who love the construction industry but prefer to work at more of a distance from the site, although a lot of these professions will still require regular site visits.
Then of course you could be like myself and fall into the industry as the wife of a tradie. I have built a successful independent career out of an opportunity that landed in my lap.
Many opportunities exist for women in construction, if this is an industry you are really interested in, I recommend you give it a go. The reward of being a part of building someone dreams, are priceless.
Have you ever considered working in the construction industry? Are you a female working in construction? I’d love to hear your story, please get in touch.
Nicole xxx
Linking up With Essentially Jess for #IBOT
Great post! A direct round up of the opportunities available. So many women don’t realise how many positions are available.
So true Bec, and I’ve thought of a whole bunch more since writing this post.
Yes, actually. I worked for a property developer that also had a contrition company for a couple of years. I started as a receptionist but soon began doing office all rounder stuff then managing the office. The work was not for me but it was a fun environment at times and I learned a lot and met interesting people!
It sure can be a fast paced and fun environment to work in. ?
My husband’s a construction manager and it’s such a blokey world. The language on site, the assumptions about those who work there, where they go for smoko and knock-off. Everything. I’ve managed to get some opportunities out of my husband being in construction – I’ve written brochures and corporate bios for some of the places he’s worked, and that has led to more opportunities in the industry. #teamIBOT
Another angle I didn’t even think about Em! You’re right, it is such a blokey world, it be challenging to elbow your way in ?
So many fabulous careers out there – I love seeing Women out onsite and in the industry. I always wanted to be an architect when I was younger – even helped Mum draw up house plans as a young one when she was building in Byron many years ago!
That’s awesome Ashlea, I’d love to hear why you didn’t go into architecture? I’ve emailed you as well, about sharing your trade story. xx
Yep, I worked in construction/mining in Cultural Heritage management. It’s really a fascinating and fast paced place to be. Though I’m not sure if I would want to do it all the time! Considering the male-dominated industry, there were a decent amount of women I worked with too.
That’s music to my ears Vanessa! ?
Not so much sometimes on an early morning flight from Brissy to Gladstone or Rocky haha. Only female on flight sometimes. But otherwise it was pretty good, considering!
For Queenslanders, the Queensland Skills Gateway is a great resource to assist people to not only find providers, but courses too. They can also check their eligibility for subsidised training and incentives via the Skills Gateway: http://www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au/
Details about training incentives in Queensland can be found here: http://www.training.qld.gov.au/training-careers/subsidised-training-incentives/index.html There’s heaps of information available on support for specific groups and how to choose the right provider on the Training website ?
I’m sorry Renee, only just found your comment, it went to my spam folder?? This is great advice and some wonderful resources you have provided thank you! xx
[…] in the construction industry has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing women, and also men. In the early days, I […]
Awesome blog!!
I am a student and I am doing civil engineering. When I decided to become a civil engineer most of the people don’t support me because they think that this profession is only for boys. But my parents keep their trust in me and I joined this course. After reading your blog, I feel very motivated and proud on my decision. Thanks a lot for sharing such a great post ?