From the ground up

Our apprentice column provides an opportunity for PAC members to share their views, experiences and ideas, while providing insight for builders who employ them. This month’s question is:

Q: What could the industry do to encourage more women into building and construction apprenticeships?

Name: Andrew (2nd year)

Location: Akaroa

I haven’t worked with any female apprentices or builders, but our PlaceMakers rep is a woman and she is the best rep we’ve had, so I know women can be just as capable as men in trades.

Builders are a pretty nice bunch – at least the ones I work with are. Some of that old ‘boys’ club’ culture does still exist, though, and it would be good to see it gone. This would make the workplace more inviting for women. Ironically, I think if more women were in trades, this would help change some of that old-school male culture.

Maybe it would help if experienced female tradies went to high schools talking to young women about opportunities in the trades? After that, what about a pre-trade course that is specifically for women?

Whatever the solution is, I believe women can be just as effective as men in trades and I’d like to see more taking advantage of what trades have to offer.

Name: Regan (3rd year)

Location: Wairarapa

I have heard guys say women can’t be builders because they aren’t strong enough to lift heavy things like framing, but plenty of guys aren’t super-strong either. If the job is getting done across the team, it doesn’t make a  difference who does what.

I would say a more ‘user-friendly’ environment would help – a positive and enjoyable culture, where everyone is supported. I think if we treat everyone with respect, this has to be a good thing and I think this will make the
building site a welcoming place for women.

It’s my understanding that the culture has already changed a lot. I think back in the day, the environment was a lot more intimidating. The older guys call my generation ‘the marshmallows’! But there is much more awareness of mental health and wellness now, and I think everyone understands this is a good thing. I think this awareness makes the environment on a building site a better place for both men and women.

Name: Chelsea (2nd year)

Location: Queenstown

Something I really wanted when I started my carpentry apprenticeship was to see other women working in trades. I searched social media and found nothing. So, as they say, “be the change you want to see in the world”! When I started my apprenticeship, I started an Instagram page – shebuildsbro – with the hope that other women who might be curious about working in trades would find it. And it turns out they have found it!

I get messages all the time from women who have taken inspiration from knowing there are other women out there doing it – it’s really motivating to know it’s making a difference. It’s not just the Instagram generation either. Last week, I had an email from a woman who is 39 and she said seeing that other women are doing trades and loving it has encouraged her to sign up to a Trade Certificate.

I think social media can help lessen discrimination for women in trades, because guys now get to see us working in the industry and it becomes the new normal for them. Hopefully this will make a difference to the culture long-term and it won’t be thought of as unusual for a woman to be working in a trade.