Breanna - Cooking up a storm in Civil Construction
I’m a qualified chef that took on a career change into the construction industry.
It’s an industry I’ve always wanted to work in especially as soon as I left school, but unfortunately, I didn’t know how to kick start it. At the time, I had a lot of self-doubt as I didn’t see or hear about other women in the industry. When I moved to Canberra from Wagga Wagga, my journey into construction began.
I was interested in civil construction and my partner mentioned I should look into it. I hadn’t heard of it before so I researched the industry and found so many amazing opportunities and career paths within it.
I made multiple phone calls to different contractors which they then emailed a program that was happening called ‘Ginninderry's SPARK Women in Civil Construction' program. During the program I met amazing people ranging from the participants all the way through to the team that supported and made the program accessible. With this amazing opportunity I was able to get a full time job in civil construction.
I’m new to the industry so I’m working on ground being an all-rounder aka a labourer. I’ve got to lay conduits, do patching, rendering, grading, reading plans and using the rover, levelling, spotting, maintenance and much more. I love this type of work because I’m always learning something new and challenging myself. The team that I’m working with are very supportive and respectful and I get excited to go to work.
The challenges I have faced so far includes the physical side of work. You don’t realise the different muscles you use whilst on site. One way I helped myself with this problem was doing yoga and stretching out at the end of the shift.
The way I balance working in a trade with life is making plans with my friends and family. Having time to self-care and do the things you love. Having supportive people around me who encouraged me to make a balance and have a healthy life style.
I thank Emma from the Women in Civil Program for being a huge inspiration and someone I look up to. With Emma’s help, I was introduced to a committee group where I was able to meet other amazing women in different construction industries and titles who have inspired me and helped create new exciting goals. I’m wanting to push my limits to see what I’m capable of. I’m hoping to create a strong positive impression and influence other women to get kick start into the trade.
What I’m most proud of is how hard I worked, theory based and out on site. Putting myself out of my comfort zone, has opened so many positive doors for me. I’m putting my story out there so any female wanting to join the industry has less self-doubt like I had. They can see that people just like them are giving it a go and discovering a new career pathway.
Advice I have is, make that phone call. Put yourself out of your comfort zone and see what you’re capable of and what your limits are. Make goals, keep a balanced and a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with supportive people. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have even thought I was capable of doing this and I’ve proved myself wrong. It never too late to make a change and you’re never too old to give it a shot. You never know unless you try!