This International Women’s Day, the 8th of March 2025, Master Builders are celebrating the achievements of 24-year-old Bronte Ryan. As a 4th-year apprentice, Bronte is set to complete her apprenticeship in January next year. Her dedication and hard work have already earned her the title of Master Builders Apprentice of the Year (3rd stage) in 2024.

She is about to complete the Certificate III in Carpentry qualification at the Master Builders education centre in Norwest. Throughout her apprenticeship, Bronte has been gaining hands-on work experience with Host Employer Grindley. She is currently working on the new meeting rooms for the OPTUS project at Macquarie Park. Her work includes flooring, decking, site safety inspections, and reporting.

As she finishes her final week of training at Master Builders, she and her classmates have been focused on footings and foundations under the guidance of their trainer, Ben. We had the opportunity to sit down with Bronte to discuss her experiences as a female apprentice in the building industry.

Q&A with Bronte Ryan

1. What made you decide to start a Carpentry apprenticeship?

Going back to the start, I have always been interested in construction, as I saw my father build our family home. I wanted to learn the skills to know how to build so that I could do my own home renovations or build my own home one day.

2. What is the best thing about the job?

The best thing about the job is meeting new people on new job sites and not being stuck in the same office all day. I also really enjoy the completion stage of the construction process because I get to add the finishing touches to see the project through to the end. I really enjoy installing the skirting and architraves and seeing how it nicely finishes a room.

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

How welcoming everyone is on site. I have been lucky to have been working with my Host Employer Grindley since starting my apprenticeship. The culture on the worksite is really good and makes me feel safe and a part of the team. Everyone is respectful. My supervisor ensures that I am learning a range of skills and often rotating my time with other contractors. The experienced tradespeople onsite make me feel appreciated as they are more than happy to take their time to explain things to me and I really learn a lot from them.

4. How has your Field Officer supported you in your apprenticeship journey?

The Master Builders Field Officers come to visit me on-site to make sure I’m OK, and that my supervisor is doing the right thing. They make sure I am safe, happy, and equipped with PPE.

They see what I am learning and ensure that I am getting through the training plan on track to completing my apprenticeship. It’s good to have this support.

5. It is your last week of training at Master Builders. What aspect of the Carpentry qualification training have you enjoyed the most?

I really enjoyed the Building Roofs and Stairs assessment tasks which required real attention to detail working with the timber. I enjoy working independently and as a part of a team. I think I am a bit competitive with some of the boys too because I like to aim for the best assessment results. I was happy to come first in my class in the Stairs assessment. I like to make sure I do the tasks correctly and the Master Builders trainers help guide me.

I am thinking about studying the Certificate IV in Building and Construction in the future. But for now, I am happy to be close to completing my apprenticeship!

6. Now that you’re about to complete your apprenticeship, what are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are to stay on with Grindley as a qualified Carpenter. I have been with the company throughout my apprenticeship, and I have really enjoyed my time here. They have an interview process that I need to prepare for, but I am confident that I can continue with them. In the meantime, I have some overseas travel planned to celebrate finishing my apprenticeship!

7. Last year in November you won the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year award — how did you feel?

I was really shocked, to be honest. I worked closely with my Host Employer on answering all the nomination application questions and they helped me with the process. It felt great to be recognised for my hard work. My parents were so proud and excited they were crying with tears of joy when it was announced.

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

At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I met with another female Master Builders apprentice Jemma Lawson. She also won Master Builders Apprentice of the year. When I went for the interview I watched a video of Jemma, and that inspired me to know I was doing the right thing. We previously did a photoshoot together and that was fun. We attended apprentice meetings together and became good friends. She has since moved on from Grindley and is working as a Carpenter for another company.

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

The work is a lot of fun and varied! It beats working in an office environment. I get to work outdoors, move to different worksites and projects, stay active, and meet a variety of people. Plus, I’m learning the skills to work on my own home one day!

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

It’s a great awareness campaign, and by being involved, I can help inspire more women to start a trade. Since I started my apprenticeship, I’ve seen more women on-site, which is great. I’ve also been involved in inspiring school students to consider a career in the trades, showing them that girls can do it too. I am humbled by the older generations onsite who I learn a lot from, who say to me they are inspired to see a young woman like me working on site learning the trade. For International Women’s Day my Host Employer is planning a workplace event for all the women to attend.

Bronte Ryan’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available for women in the building and construction industry. Her passion, determination, and achievements serve as an inspiration for future female apprentices. As more women enter the trades, stories like Bronte’s highlight the progress being made toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

For more detailed information on Master Builders apprenticeships for women, visit the Women in Construction page on the website, or get in contact with our team directly call 8586 3533.