13 minute read
FACES OF OUR INDUSTRY | Women in Glass
From smashing out world-firsts, to creating opportunities and pioneering the way forward for women in glass, meet some of the incredible women making their mark in the Australian glass industry.
Historically, glazing has been considered a male trade due to the manual handling requirements of the job. With advances in technology significantly changing the industry and revolutionising how glass is handled, we are seeing a broader reach of people in our industry. In 2014, only one percent of glaziers in Australia were female, yet by 2017 the number of female glaziers had increased to four per cent. And this number will keep on increasing bringing an amazing diversity to our industry and many benefits to employers.
Glazing is one of the most in demand trades in Australia. Meet some of the incredible women in the Australian glass industry who are smashing out world-firsts, creating opportunities and pioneering the way forward for women in glass.
KATE WENDT
Managing Director / Glazier & Shopfitter, Dragon Glass Lamination & Black Widow Australia
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales | dragonglass.net.au
As a trade qualified glazier and joiner, licensed builder, and qualified project manager, Kate Wendt is a trailblazer in Australia’s glazing and glass lamination landscape. After spending three years in Europe learning about glass lamination, Kate developed prototype equipment in Barcelona and Shanghai and brought the knowledge and equipment back home to Australia.
After establishing her lamination line in Goulburn, New South Wales, and then relocating her business to Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, due to COVID-19, Kate is proud of what Dragon Glass Lamination has achieved. 'We manufacture the largest, highest quality, strongest, single glass laminated panels anywhere in the southern hemisphere,' she explains.
Kate Wendt (centre) at Dragon Glass Lamination
IMAGE: Dragon Glass Lamination
From glazing, project management, estimating, installation and managing Dragon Glass Lamination and Black Widow Australia, Kate still does every job in the business. 'I particularly get involved in large glazing jobs, going out on site to project manage and glaze. I recently worked with Retail Joinery Australia to glaze Balenciaga, a luxury shop fit out in Brisbane, Queensland,' she recalls. 'I love the versatility of my job,' Kate explains. 'Glazing isn’t glazing anymore – there is far more to the job than cutting glass. You need to understand structural elements, Australian Standards, engineering, and glass. You need to be an all rounder. You almost need to be an electrician to work with switchable glass! The job changes every day with the variety of projects and you need to stay up to date with what’s going on in Australia and overseas.'
According to Kate, women are pushing the boundaries in the glass industry. 'It’s a diverse field where you can specialise, or be a jack of all trades. You can get involved in the engineering and structural side of glass, or its architectural applications. The future is limitless for women in glazing,' she says.
Kate’s advice for someone starting out in the industry is to do the job to the best of your ability. 'Learn from the floor up and aim high! By becoming trade qualified and progressing through the ranks to management, you will understand everything by the time you get there.'
AGWA Master Glazier, Sandra Entermann
IMAGE: Tony Phillips Photography
SANDRA ENTERMANN
Glazier, Greg's Glass & Glazing
Ipswich, Queensland | gregsglass.com
Sandra Entermann is a pioneer in the glazing industry – she is the world’s first certified female glazier. 'In Australia, we are familiar with Master Builders, Master Plumbers, Master Painters, excetera, but there was no Master Glazier program,' she explains. 'The AGWA introduced the Master Glazier program – apprentice, glazier, certified glazier, and master glazier, which other countries are now implementing – and I happened to be the first female glazier to jump through the hoops and gain that worldwide recognition.'
Being a qualified glazier is a completely different career choice from her initial goal of becoming a primary school teacher. 'I deferred university 28 years ago to work in my brother’s business for 12 months, helping to run the business and cut glass. I loved it so much that I never left!' she says.
Sandra takes immense pride in her work and enjoys the diversity of being a glazier – from reglazing windows, doors, mirrors and robes to assembly (making and glazing) and installation. She loves discovering rare and antique glass, and even made a display case that held one of the relay torches for the 2000 Olympic Games!
AGWA Master Glazier, Sandra Entermann
IMAGE: Tony Phillips Photography
Sandra has accepted invitations to speak at schools encouraging girls to think outside of the box when it comes to their careers. 'Often girls think that they have to go to university to get a good job. I try to explain to them that job satisfaction and enjoying what you do is the key to longevity in your career,' she says. 'I take glass, a glass cutter, putty, a putty knife, some old windows, just whatever I can gather up, so the girls can experience the hands-on part of the trade – which they really seem to like.'
Sandra didn’t become a glazier to prove a point. 'You can still be feminine and do the job well. It’s important to know what you’re capable of, what your limitations are, and what you’re skilled at,' she explains. 'I work with a great team that help each other out. Women complement the profession and bring aptitude, attention to detail, care and creativity to the industry.'
For someone starting out in glazing, Sandra’s advice is to give it time. 'Being a glazier is a great trade and you don’t need to be physically strong. You learn to respect glass and after 28 years, I’ve never had stitches!'
Sandra Entermann in the office at Greg's Glass
IMAGE: Tony Phillips Photography
DEB DEETH
Managing Director, Greater Glass
Kirrawee, New South Wales | greaterglass.com.au
Creating a business from the ground up, after a series of life changing events, was not on Deb Deeth’s radar around 18 years ago. 'The company my husband Phil, a glazier, worked for was sold and he started sub-contracting not long after that,' she explains. 'I thought we should start our own business and while I was on maternity leave, I had the opportunity to develop the business and it evolved over time.'
Early in the business, Deb joined the New South Wales Glass and Glazing Association to learn more about glass. 'I realised that I had a lot to learn about glass and the glazing industry, so I joined the Association to learn everything I could,' says Deb. Deb became very involved in the Association, joining the Executive Committee in 2015, the only woman on the committee at the time, and becoming Vice President from 2017–2018. Deb was also an advocate for the amalgamation of the Glass and Glazing Association with the Australian Window Association (now AGWA) and she was the New South Wales State Chapter Chair for two years. 'I fell in love with glass and the industry,' she adds.
Deb Deeth with 2020 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year, Patrick Thomas.
IMAGE: Greater Glass
Notwithstanding the skills shortage in the industry, Deb believes it is important to hire for attitude. 'Glass is a great product and there are heaps of opportunities for both men and women in the industry. Diversity is good in business - a mix of people with different opinions and points of view can only add value,' says Deb. 'It’s super important to identify your values, embed them into your culture and not compromise on them.' After 18 years in business, Greater Glass received their first female glazing applicant earlier this year. 'I have hired a lot of apprentices and glaziers, and this is the first time a female has applied,' explains Deb. 'At 18 years of age, our new apprentice has hit the ground running and has quickly picked up and run with the role, particularly the technology.'
As Managing Director, Deb is involved in every aspect of the business with her key focus on the business development, financial and strategic direction of Greater Glass. 'I try not to get involved in the day-to-day operations and I focus more on implementing new systems and processes in the business to make it easier for our team and for our customers to transact with us,' she says. However, seeing the finished product and connecting with her team and clients are what Deb enjoys most about her role.
Deb Deeth
IMAGE: Greater Glass
Deb is proud of the team at Greater Glass and their longevity in the industry. She is also passionate about educating customers on the value of glass and would one day like to share her extensive knowledge to help other people and businesses to thrive in the industry. 'Not enough credit is given to the value of glass, particularly in homes. Glass is such a big part of the building envelope and can enhance people’s lives – their comfort, wellbeing, aesthetics, not to mention create a safe environment,' she explains.
For someone starting out in the industry, Deb’s advice is to learn everything you can. 'Educate yourself, seek out a valuealigned team members and don’t compete on price.'
Deb Deeth with 2020 New South Wales Apprentice of the Year, Patrick Thomas.
IMAGE: Greater Glass
LUKA WHITE
Glazier, Coast & Hinterland Glass & Aluminium (CHGA)
Queensland | chga.com.au
As a second year glazing apprentice, Luka did not envisage working in the glass industry. 'I was working in hospitality and I really didn’t like it,' she explains. 'I started helping out in the family business and enjoyed it so much that my mum suggested I do a glazing apprenticeship.'
As a very hands-on person, Luka likes being out in the field. 'I currently work between the glass and screens parts of the business,' she says. 'However, my favourite is to go out on site. I learn a lot more on site seeing how everything is done and how it comes together. You get to work on amazing houses and see all the different trades work.'
Luka finds every job she works on rewarding. 'It’s especially rewarding when you go and install on site and see the finished job – whether it’s a renovation or a new build.'
Luka White
IMAGE: Coast & Hinterland Glass & Aluminium
Luka loves everything about becoming a glazier. 'I love the routine and stability. I never used to be an early riser, but now I love it, as I finish early and get the whole afternoon off,' she says.
Undertaking an apprenticeship can be challenging at first. 'When you first start you end up doing menial jobs like sweeping, but this is the same for all apprentices,' says Luka. 'Everyday I learn something new. I might not get it right the first go, but I get it the second time I have a go.'
Luka highly recommends glazing as a career for women. 'I think women bring a new perspective to the glazing industry – we tend to think things through, especially safety. I love seeing other women in trades!' she exclaims. 'Glazing can be physical and hands-on, but it’s nothing that women can’t handle. You get paid to work out! I feel equal to, not less than, my male counterparts.'
There are, however, some unique challenges to being a female glazier. 'I really struggle to find work pants and boots that fit!' Luka exclaims. 'They mostly cater for men, but this is only a little thing and can only improve.'
For someone starting out in the industry, Luka’s advice is to ease into it. 'When you start, you won’t be assigned great jobs straight away. Don’t be put off by doing the menial jobs – everyone does them. There’s a very small amount of qualified women in glazing, so I would love to see more women in the industry,' she adds.
TASH McMASTER
CEO / Office Manager, Coast & Hinterland Glass & Aluminium (CHGA)
Queensland | chga.com.au
Prior to working with husband Alex, a glazier, Tash McMaster had no experience in the industry apart from some building and renovating projects of her own. A hairdresser by trade, Tash joined the business as Office Manager around six years ago. 'I asked a lot of questions when I first started - trying to figure out what everyone did and challenging why they did it that way,' she explains.
Since joining the business, Tash has developed a code of conduct and encouraged a family type culture within the team. 'Bullying in the workplace is not acceptable and everyone has a right to be safe at work and to feel cared for,' she says.
Tash McMaster
IMAGE: Coast & Hinterland Glass & Aluminium
According to Tash, times are changing. 'The industry is stepping up. People are now starting to build homes that complement their lifestyles and are considering cross ventilation, natural light, and aesthetics – with glass bringing everything together,' she explains.
Tash is the mastermind behind a newly built showroom which officially opened in late October. 'I’m personally proud of the showroom and the products we make – including large and bespoke windows and doors. I’m proud of our team and I enjoy it when projects come together. We have a reputation for doing the "out of the box" projects, which is rewarding but also something that sets us apart in the industry. We recently won the Highly Commended Award from AGWA for Best Use of Windows & Doors, Glass & Glazing Residential Over $80,000, which is something I am extremely proud of,' she says.
Tash agrees that there is a skills shortage in the industry and that is one of the reasons she has increased the amount of apprentices they employee at CHGA. 'We are super proud of our team and especially how our junior staff embrace the opportunities we have given them. One of our second year apprentices has just received the Rising Star award for AGWA’s Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year, which shows the kind of opportunity and rewards the industry can provide if you are up for the challenge,' she adds.
Tash recommends the glazing trade to women and actively encourages them to apply for jobs – so much so that she encouraged her daughter to undertake a glazing apprenticeship. 'Glazing is a great skill to have – whatever you put in, you get back and more. You don’t have to be physically strong – the opportunities are limitless!' she exclaims. 'It is important when you first start to slow down and get it right.'
Tash’s advice for someone starting out in the industry is to listen and learn. 'Everybody from reception to management can teach you something. There are lessons and opportunities everywhere.'
WORDS: Melissa Douglas
