Jemma Lawson

BLAZING A TRAIL IN CARPENTRY

ALYSSA WELKE

While many teens are still trying to figure out what their career path will be after finishing school, apprentice carpenter Jemma Lawson realised as soon as she started Grade 7 exactly what she wanted to do.

The Lake Macquarie-native started learning woodwork in high school and soon realised her passion for the craft, and it was that realisation that sent her on her current trajectory.

And it is the 21-year-old’s passion for her work that has enabled her to achieve success — just last year Jemma was named the Master Builders Association of New South Wales 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year.

Employed by Grindley Construction, based in Sydney and the Central Coast, Jemma has a thirst for knowledge and a can-do attitude that helps her navigate the male-dominated field she works in.

Jemma doesn’t let her gender hold her back and always helps to give other women a leg up.

“(The most valuable lesson I have learnt is) to not let anyone assume I can’t do something and to keep proving them wrong,” she said.

“(The challenges) I’ve faced would be the stereotype of (being) a women in such a male dominated industry as well as being young in the industry.

“(It) has made it harder to gain respect from fellow colleagues and clients as the majority of the time they see my gender and age rather than my experience and quality of work.”

But Jemma doesn’t allow this to stop her — it only makes her dig deeper within herself, a skill she wants all young people, but especially women, in the building and construction industry to embrace.

“Don’t let what other people say put you down or turn you away from what could be a great career path,” she said.

“(It) has taught me countless life skills as well as good knowledge of all aspects of the industry.

“I am constantly learning and gaining more knowledge everyday while doing what I love.”

The construction industry wasn’t a foreign concept to Jemma; she’d grown up around it, with her step-father working in construction since he was 16, and eventually starting his own excavation and concreting company. And Jemma’s mum works as a disabilities care worker.

As the oldest of five (she has two brothers and two sisters), Jemma’s enthusiasm and drive has inspired her siblings to also pursue careers in construction.

“My oldest brother, who is 18, is now in his second year of being an electrician,” she said.

“One of my sisters, who is 16, is following in my footsteps and has completed her white card at school and is currently doing work experience doing electrical.

“My youngest brother, who is 15, is also looking at doing a carpentry apprenticeship; my other sister who is also 16 is very successful in her sport and is studying sports and recreation.”

Jemma loves to see the fruits of her labour come to fruition with “seeing a project through from start to finish” as one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.

“And acknowledging and learning along the way to see the final result,” she said.

Her positive attitude is valued by all she works with as well.

Her boss at Grindley Construction, Evan Graves, who is the Construction Manager, is glowing in his praise for her.

“I have had the privilege of working with Jemma for the past few years and have been amazed at the way Jemma has changed the sites she has worked on and the positive effects she has had on both co-workers and subcontractors,” he said.

“Jemma has done an exceptional job to date and has helped to pave the way for those females and males following in her footsteps as they start their careers in the construction industry.”

And Jemma has her sights set firmly in the future; she wants to successfully finish her trade and work her way up the ranks.

“(I want to) become a junior foreman (and) to then take on foreman,” she said.

“(I also have an interest in) starting my own business into more high-end detailed furniture, which has been a dream of mine.”

EMBRACING CHANGE

Emerging skills put Breanna in a cool career

Breanna Kill is part of the next generation of refrigeration technicians gaining the skills to work with new technologies aimed at reducing global warming.

The Airconditioning and Heating Services industry is forecast to strengthen over the next five years as demand for nonresidential installations gains momentum postpandemic.

The Australian Industry Report on Air Conditioning and Heating Services in Australia forecasts industry revenue to grow at 2.2% to reach $10.2 billion by 2027.

Other pressures increasing the demand for qualified technicians include stronger demand for energy audits on existing properties, installation of equipment to ensure compliance with stricter building codes, and ongoing repairs and maintenance on non-residential buildings.

Refrigeration is an industry that provides a service described by Australian Refrigeration Council, Technical and Training Manager Noel Munkman, as essential but often hidden.

“It’s behind-the-scenes work but the skills and knowledge of a qualified refrigeration and air conditioning technician are integral to modern society,” Mr Munkman said. food and is the reason we have air conditioning. A career as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician, or Fridgie as they’re known, offers loads of variety and exciting opportunities to solve different challenges every day.”

Breanna took up the challenge three years ago and has completed her Certificate III in Airconditioning and Refrigeration, she has enrolled in Certificate III in Electrotechnology to broaden her role working with Camray Air, through TAFE NSW Wollongong.

“I found the course to be extremely valuable, the teachers had real industry experience to pass on as they had all worked in the sector themselves. The teachers gave me a big picture understanding of the future of the industry and it’s that kind of foundational knowledge you need to build a really successful career.”

TAFE NSW Electrotechnology Head Teacher George Whitehouse said graduates had a reputation for being job-ready.

“We offer the only qualification that enables people to work on any refrigeration and air conditioning system without supervision. Also, graduates of the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration are eligible to apply for a Restricted Electrical License, opening the door to even more career opportunities.