Life Of A Female Tradie
Life Of A Female Tradie
Podcast Description
Showcasing females in construction, from being on the tools to being in the corporate world. Female decorators, plasterers, plumbers, carpenters, brickies, electricians, kitchen fitters, builders, trade counter managers, CEOs and many roles in between, all filled by a female within the industry. Time to hear their story and have a good chat.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as the experiences of women in various trades, mental health issues, work-life balance, and community support. Episodes include discussions on the transition from decorating to health coaching by Sharon Norton-Marshall, the art of stonemasonry with Rosie, and the challenges of being a self-employed decorator with Joanne Hay. Key areas of focus include emotional support, dietary health impacts on tradespeople, and the dynamics of working in family businesses.
Real stories. Real tools. Real women.
Welcome to Life Of A Female Tradie — the podcast that gives voice to the women breaking ground in the trades. We share the honest, gritty, and inspiring journeys of female tradies thriving in a male-dominated industry.
Each episode features real conversations with women in construction and the skilled trades, tackling topics like apprenticeships, jobsite culture, career progression, mental health, physical demands, tools of the trade, and what it really takes to build a future in the field.
Whether you’re already on the tools, just getting started, or curious about what it’s like to be a woman in the trades — this podcast is your crew. We’re building each other up and breaking barriers with every episode.
What does it take to become an award-winning stonemason working on one of Britain’s most historic landmarks? Well tune in and you might find out!
I speak with Rachael Wragg, a stonemason at Lincoln Cathedral and winner of the On The Tools Craftsperson of the Year Award 2025.
Rachael shares how she entered stonemasonry later in life at 29, reflecting on the growing number of people retraining and joining the skilled trades as adults. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at working on heritage restoration projects, where craftsmanship, conservation regulations, and community expectations all play a vital role.
The conversation also explores the physical realities of a career in manual trades, highlighting the importance of physical health, longevity, and the need for more open discussions around women’s health in construction.
Rachael also speaks about the value of community and support among tradespeople, and her role as a Stabilo ambassador, championing quality tools and precision in craftsmanship.
An inspiring episode for anyone interested in heritage crafts, stonemasonry, women in construction, apprenticeships, and career change stories.
Key Takeaways
- Rachael Wragg is a stonemason at Lincoln Cathedral.
- She won the On The Tools Award for Craftsperson of the Year 2025.
- Her journey into stonemasonry began later in life, at age 29.
- The demographic of apprentices is shifting, with more older individuals entering the field.
- Working at Lincoln Cathedral offers a unique blend of history and craftsmanship.
- Restoration work involves navigating complex regulations and community sentiments.
- Physical health is crucial for sustaining a career in a physically demanding trade.
- Open discussions about women's health are important in the workplace.
- Rachael emphasizes the importance of community and support among tradespeople.
- Her ambassadorship with Stabilo reflects her commitment to quality tools and craftsmanship
Follow me:
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast
Follow Guest:
Instagram: @thegingermason
TikTok: @thegingermason
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:56 Journey to Stonemasonry
05:23 The Shift in Apprenticeship Demographics
07:42 Working at Lincoln Cathedral
10:37 Challenges of Restoration Work
15:30 Experiences as a Female in the Industry
17:32 Maintaining Physical Health in a Demanding Trade
22:19 Supplements and Health Routines
27:26 Open Conversations About Women's Health
30:57 Ambassadorship with Stabilo
37:29 Upcoming Projects at Lincoln Cathedral
40:47 Quickfire Questions and Closing Thoughts
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Disclaimer
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