This International Women’s Day, 8th March 2023, Master Builders is shining the light on 19-year-old Tarsha Wayne with a Q&A. She is a first-year apprentice, who is working on a renovation project in the eastern suburbs with Wright Construction Sydney. We got her take on what it is really like being a female apprentice.

1. What made you decide to become an apprentice?

I have always been an active person and played a lot of sports. Previously, I had office jobs and I quickly realised that sitting in an office was not fulfilling for me. Last year, I had a job as a traffic controller. Although I was happy being on my feet – I was just not learning enough. I would ask the construction workers onsite if I could help them because they always seemed to be busy. They let me help them by trenching holes, backfilling, and installing pipe, and top soiling. That’s when I realised I wanted to start a trade. I chose Carpentry because I admire the craft and the work of good carpenters.

2. What is the best thing about the job?

The best thing about my job is the amazing people I work with. The guys on site are welcoming – I love the banter and the environment they create. I honestly enjoy every moment of working onsite. I love how I am learning new Carpentry skills and techniques every day. It empowers me to see where I was before to where I am now because I have learned something completely new that I never thought I would be able to do. And my boss Michael is really supportive of how he answers all my questions.

3. What is something that you think would surprise people about being a female apprentice?

I think it is surprising seeing a female on a work site, it just doesn’t happen that often. But I think, regardless of your gender, everyone brings different attributes to a work site to get the job done.

4. Do you have a female role model in the industry?

My friend Kassy has been a massive role model for me and one of the reasons I stepped out of my comfort zone to take a leap of faith in the industry. I think it is empowering to see people working in roles that aren’t ‘traditionally’ meant for them.

5. Who do you admire?

An American ultra-marathon runner named David Goggins. I admire his mentality, his mental toughness, and his determination. He is one of the reasons I push myself in everything I do. His teaching on resilience and how to ‘master your life’ has helped me get through some struggles I have encountered.

6. Why should females consider a career in the building and construction industry?

I think females should join the industry if they are looking for a hands-on career. No two days are ever quite the same. I think it’s good to learn new skills that often as a female, you don’t learn in everyday life. I think it’s cool to break those barriers and work in something you actually enjoy. Now I have stepped into a trade I feel like my future’s really bright.

7. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I think of it as a day of recognition to see how far women have come, to the choices we have today. It’s hard to imagine a world where we did not have the right to vote. And now, I have the opportunity to be in a career that I love – a job that is traditionally a man’s job. I also think it’s an opportunity to recognise the challenges women have faced in the past and acknowledge how far we have come as a society, even if there is still work to be done.

If you would like to find out about how to become a Master Builders apprentice go to our website or call us at 8586 3533.

Watch Tarsha’s video.