Women build careers
More females choosing future in construction
The opportunity
should be for anybody regardless of gender. Some of
those old school attitudes need to be pushed to the side. Suzanne Brotherton, Toi Ohomai
Institute of Technology
More Bay women are choosing a career in construction. Old-school attitudes in a traditionally male-dominated industry are being pushed aside as more women switch jobs for a career in the trades.
The number of female apprentices has doubled at BCITO, one of the country’s largest construction trade apprenticeship providers.
Suzanne Brotherton grew around building sites.
The Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology associate dean of carpentry, construction, engineering and electrical used to run a family business in construction and removals.
She has also held administration and management roles in council, surveying, mining, automotive, electrical and building investment.
“It’s part of my background.” Brotherton said females aged 18 to in their 50s were enrolled in construction
up and building courses at Toi Ohomai and their motivations for studying were also all different. “Some are wanting to change careers, others are starting careers. A lot of women have been home with their children and have come back into the workforce. It has become more acceptable for women to be part of the trades.”
Construction was not just about being on the tools and women brought good attention to detail and communication skills to the table, she said.
“The
opportunity
should be
for anybody regardless of gender. Some of those old school attitudes need to be pushed to the side.”
Toi Ohomai has 104 students enrolled across eight of its building and construction, architecture and carpentry courses — up from 67 in 2020, 71 in 2019 and 85 in 2018.
Primary industries trades and infrastructure faculty dean, Brian Dillon, said it was great to see more women choosing to study building and construction courses. “There’s no reason females shouldn’t choose a