Tradeswomen "pro tips" about life on the tools

We asked our panel what their biggest misconceptions were before they started working in a trade and the advice they wish they had been given. Because you know the saying, "if one person says it at least another dozen are thinking it"...

What is the biggest misconception you had about working as a tradesperson before you started?

The biggest misconception I found personally in the start was thinking that I would never be as good as the boys. Alana Davies - JT Plumbing

The hours. That you can work long hours to finish a job. It's NOT a 9 to 5 job. Jackie Mason - Mason Plumbing

Working in a male dominant trade/workplace, I thought I’d be treated differently because of my gender but as soon as I started everyone didn’t treat me any less or more than the opposing gender. Toni Rhind - Pacific Steel

That tradies were not well off people and there wasn't a big demand for them. Jessica Moverley, Apprentice Carpenter

That everyone thinks that only men can do this job. Yeah, I get it. It is a male dominated industry but I have met and heard of so many females in the automotive industry that are doing really well. I am the only female in my workshop but I don't think that will be the case in the near future. At least I hope not. I may not be the BEST just yet, but watch me try get there. Elaine Pereira - Trucks & Trailers

Best piece of advice that you can share with aspiring tradies?

Be brave! Be Humble! Try new things out of your comfort zone! Learn to laugh things off and not to take things so personally and at the end of the day we have the power to accomplish anything we put our minds to! Alana Davies - JT Plumbing

Enjoy your work. If it is unsafe, or you feel unsafe SAY SOMETHING. Jackie Mason - Mason Plumbing

Be brave, Be ambitious and enjoy what you’re wanting to do. It’s a lot more clearer to build a successful path. Toni Rhind - Pacific Steel

No matter what your size, big or small, there is always a way of doing a job. Jessica Moverley, Apprentice Carpenter

ATTITUDE IS KEY! If you have the right attitude anything is possible. Employers want employees that are committed to the job they are doing no matter what it may be. Elaine Pereira - Trucks & Trailers

Find out more about our panel and their fantastic employers...

Meet our panelists & find out what inspired them to get into a trade

Women in Trades are proud to be convening a panel of tradeswomen for a careers talk with secondary school students at Auckland's largest girls school.

The panel will share their training and trades journeys and provide insight to the students about what a trades job entails and the opportunities and challenges they have faced.

Here is some background on these trailblazing women and the fantastic companies' making their dreams come true...

Alana Davies - Apprentice Drainlayer with JT Plumbing

What inspired you to pursue a trade? My Dad! He's has been my biggest inspiration for getting into the trades, he's always encouraged me to give things a go, plus operating a digger and being outdoors sounded perfect!

What do you love most about your work? I love being challenged, and with Drain-laying I'm challenged both mentally and physically everyday.

Who are JT Plumbing? JT specializes in environmentally safe and sound solutions in plumbing, drainage, solar and gas to people in the Bay of Plenty.
We have a passionate crew of awesome Plumbers and Drainlayers who love what they do and are firm believers in providing services with a smile! Our team not only works enthusiastically together, but are each highly capable Plumbers and Drainlayers in their own right.

Find out more about them at: https://www.facebook.com/jtplumbingnz/ https://www.jtplumbing.co.nz/

Jackie Mason - Master Plumber at Mason Plumbing

What inspired you to pursue a trade? My dad, he is also a plumber and he and mum always encouraged me to do what I enjoyed.

What do you love most about your work? Never knowing what you are doing next and weather you are indoors or outside.

Who are Mason Plumbing? Mason Plumbing do all sort of plumbing small or big. New or repairs.

Find out more about them at: www.masonplumbing.co.nz

Toni Rhind, Apprentice Mechanical Engineer - Pacific Steel

What inspired you to pursue a trade? I have always had an interest in how machinery mechanically work and operate. Growing up around my grandfather who loved fixing things gave me the ambition to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering.

What do you love the most about your work? Being able to work alongside people who thrive to help me learn and achieve things. Being faced with new challenges every day and maintaining or fixing machinery and their components on a daily basis.

Who are Pacific Steel? Established in 1959, Pacific Steel NZ Limited is a heavy manufacturing business which manufacturers over 250,000 tons of steel reinforcing and wire products each year to the domestic market as well as various export markets. We operate a 24/5 operation based in South Auckland and consist of 170 employees distributed between our two manufacturing sites and support teams.

Find out more about them at: https://www.pacificsteel.co.nz/

Elaine Pereira, Apprentice Light Vehicle Technician - Trucks & Trailers

Image provided by MITO

What inspired you to pursue a trade? The realisation that I could do anything if I set my mind to it. I was at home one day and I was having problems with my car. Upset at the fact that i would have to pay someone else a lot of money to get it fix I wished I could just fix it myself. That's when it dawned on me, I can fix it myself... I just need to learn how!

I was very skeptical about my decision but the very next day I enrolled in a Pre-Trade course at Unitec. I was ready to take on any challenges that were ahead of me and I had the support of my family to do so, so nothing was going to stop me from succeeding.

What do you love the most about your work? I'm somewhat addicted to solving problems. Any problem, doesn't matter what it is, I'm all in. So what I love most about my job is the fact that nearly every day a vehicle comes in with a problem. My job is to figure out how to solve the problem and get our customers back on the road as soon as possible. I don't mind getting dirty and I love learning more about every new component of a vehicle. From the engine itself to the electical components, that stuff gets me excited.

Find out more about them at: https://www.trucksandtrailers.co.nz https://www.facebook.com/TrucksTrailersNZ/

Keep an eye out for our overview of the panel discussion. If you are interested in having a similar trades career talk at your school then please get in touch!

Want to hear more from our panelists? Find out about their biggest misconceptions about life on the tools & the advice they wish they had been given.

Read all about us in Construction News NZ!

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