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.

Life Of A Female Tradie
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.
Ever wondered what it’s really like to swap textbooks for tool belts? In this episode of Life of a Female Tradie, Michelle aka The Carpentry Girl; shares her career journey from leaving university to jump into the world of carpentry. She dives into the realities of her apprenticeship, the ups and downs of working in a male-dominated industry, and how an awful knee injury created a tough road ahead. Michelle also talks about finding work-life balance, building her identity as a female carpenter, and the powerful sense of community among women in trades. With honest stories, practical insights, and a fun rapid-fire round to wrap things up, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about the life of a tradie, a career in carpentry, doing an apprenticeship and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in construction.
Takeaways
- Michelle transitioned from studying architecture to carpentry after discovering her passion for hands-on work.
- The first winter as an apprentice is a significant challenge that tests resilience.
- Injury recovery can be a long process, but it can also lead to personal growth and new perspectives.
- Balancing work and personal life is a continuous learning experience for tradespeople.
- Women in trades often face unique challenges but can find support and camaraderie among each other.
- Building a personal brand can open up unexpected opportunities in the trade industry.
- The importance of making the work easier for other trades, like decorators, is often overlooked.
- Humor and light-heartedness can help navigate the challenges of working on site.
- Networking with other tradespeople can lead to valuable advice and support.
- Every job completed brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Follow me:
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie
Follow guest:
Instagram: thecarpentrygirl
Facebook: The Carpentry Girl
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:07 Journey into Carpentry
03:47 Apprenticeship Experiences
06:20 Starting a Business During Apprenticeship
08:59 Injury and Recovery
11:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life
14:19 Recent Life Changes and Future Plans
22:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics on Construction Sites
25:28 The Joys and Challenges of Carpentry
27:27 Pride in Craftsmanship and Job Satisfaction
29:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Trades
32:15 Experiences in the Spotlight: Working with Regatta
36:48 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
44:17 Thanks for listening
44:31 outro

Disclaimer
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