Read inspirational stories of Māori and Pasifika wāhine who are showing that a trades career is both possible and rewarding.
Māori and Pasifika women in trades
AAJ Apprentice of the Year 2018
Meet Shevonne Evans, the BCITO and Window Association of New Zealand ‘Architectural Aluminium Joinery Apprentice of the Year Award’.
Meet Maggie Myocevich, a Skills Scaffolding Apprentice
Mention the word ‘scaffolding’ and what do most people think of? A male-dominated, tough-guy industry, which is no place for a woman. Anyone thinking that hasn’t met Maggie. In January 2018 Maggie became the first woman to sign on for a NZ Scaffolding Apprenticeship.
Meet Alicia Taupo, Welding Student at MIT
“It’s exciting making things that people can use. I'm happy I came to do this course, because it gave me a bit of a different look at a career for me.”
Watch Alicia discuss why she loves training for the welding trade
Meet Margaret Otai-vai, Plumbing Student at MIT (2016)
"Give it a go, because it can be done. Don't be intimidated by plumbing being a 'male's job'. Women can do it too,"
Watch Margaret discuss why she loves training for the plumbing trade
Meet Nikita Ward, a Skills Plumbing Apprentice
The idea of working in tight spaces, with grime and sewer pipes gives most people the heebee jeebies. But Nikita Ward gives a different perspective.
“Everyone thinks ‘plumber’ means sh*t,” says Nikita. “I’ve been doing this for three years and only had to deal with it maybe ten times. The grubby stuff is crawling under houses. You get used to it. I quite enjoy it now. I like the challenge of squeezing into small spaces.”
Where there’s a will there’s a way
Meet Plasterer Kirstin McGavin, she completed her apprenticeship in 2017 and has been working since then as a qualified plasterer with Tauranga Plasterers. Something that she never thought she would achieve.
Exciting new sign up for the Architectural Aluminium Joinery (AAJ) Sector
BCITO had the pleasure of signing Tamara Tuhiwai into a new apprenticeship within the AAJ sector. Tamara will complete her apprenticeship at Vistalite Windows and Doors in Taupō.
Meet Mel Browne, Carpentry Graduate of MIT
“Just get out there and do it! There’s no difference between them and us”
Women nailing careers in the trades
Female trade apprentices love their career choice, but research shows that few considered a career in building or construction while they were at school.
Find out more about what BCITO’s female apprentices think about their trades careers