Women thriving onsite in Thames

Increasing the number of women in trades is an important consideration for BCITO, a work-based learning division of Te Pūkenga. Its Women in Trade campaign aims to empower and encourage women to pursue careers in the building and construction industry and, over in Thames, two women are walking the walk and talking the talk

Amber Wenzlick is a first-year apprentice, who was influenced by her family into taking the leap into a career in construction.

“I started my apprenticeship in March this year,” said Wenzlick. “I hadn’t had any  construction experience beforehand, so it was a pretty big decision! My brother is a builder and he encouraged me. It was really nice to feel support from an important person in my life.”

Entering a male-dominated world isn’t always easy but barring a few outdated attitudes, Amber says she was supported the whole way.

“A few people told me it wasn’t a woman’s job, but I took a lot of strength from my brother, who told me that anyone could do it. Despite that, I was nervous about entering the industry as a woman, but my employer has been very welcoming. 

“I did some gateway experience with him before becoming an apprentice and that helped ease me into it.”

Family support

Georgia Bently has been an apprentice for nearly three years and also got into the trade thanks to support and encouragement from family.

“My dad suggested that I enter the construction industry. I had been working as a casual labourer for about four years, so I had an idea of what to expect. I’ve found attitudes to be good; they’re definitely changing. I’ve only had positive experiences so far. 

“The guys I work with are great and very helpful, which makes things easier. Over the past few years, I’ve learned to adapt expectations of what I can do physically and I’ve learned how to use my body more effectively in terms of lifting. I’ve definitely become stronger over the past two years.

“When I first started, I was slightly intimidated by the number and variety of tools, but now using them is second nature to me. I really feel like I can contribute now. When I started, I didn’t always feel like that, but I guess most people feel that way starting a new career!”

Passion for renovation

Both apprentices have been working mainly on house renovations.

“I worked on one house that could have been straight out of Grand Designs! It had no straight lines; it was all curves, which was really cool,” says Georgia.

“I’d love to end up working on film or TV doing set design. That would be so interesting!”

Meanwhile, Amber is looking forward to the next few years on the tools.

“I’ve got to learn a lot, but building is something I’m really interested in. My goal is to keep learning and push myself to do things I wouldn’t normally. I’m excited to experience all the different aspects of building and the skills that come with it.”