Women in construction: Tips for female apprentices

When Faiza Nazar moved from Pakistan to Australia, she felt overwhelmed by the choice of many possible career paths that previously hadn’t been open to her. She initially wanted to try every trade on offer but settled on becoming an electrical apprentice as the right option for her.

Faiza, who works at Downer Utilities in Victoria and was one of 10 winners of the Bunnings Trade Women in Apprenticeships Awards last year, says it’s great to see the number of women in construction growing – since 2019* there has been a 115 per cent increase in female apprentices taking up a trade – and here, she shares the lessons she's learned over her four years of training.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

1. How to work safely as an apprentice on job sites

“From the start, I knew my work was dangerous,” Faiza says. “With electricity, one mistake can kill you in seconds, not minutes. We’re all aware of that and we respect it. We look out for each other. If there’s something unsafe happening, we all stop work.”

2. Team players are punctual

“Punctuality is important. On most of our sites we have a pre-start meeting right at 7am, where we talk through the plan for the day and the risks. It’s very important to attend that. If you want to be successful in your career, you need to be a team player. Being on time can show the rest of your team that you belong.”

3. Focus on one trade area for your apprenticeship

“I want to try everything. I’m doing an electrical apprenticeship, but at the same time I want to do carpentry, I want to do painting and I want to learn to drive trucks! When I started this apprenticeship though, I realised that I needed to be dedicated to the work I have chosen and I can’t do everything else at the same time. My colleagues see my dedication and appreciate it.”

4. Bring confidence to your workplace

“I’m the only woman on my current site of 50 to 60 people. I need to have confidence in myself as a female apprentice so that I can show everyone I’m not different from them. I can do everything they’re doing; I have the same knowledge, the same ability and the same power to do everything they do.”

5. Learn from everything around you

“It happens to me all the time; someone will pass me and say, ‘This is good work’ or they tell me that there’s another way of doing it. I’m learning all the time. As an apprentice I need a lot of guidance, so I just accept everything they’re telling me.”

Nominate an apprentice now!

If you’re an apprentice or want to nominate an apprentice for this year’s Women in Apprenticeships Awards, Bunnings Trade together with the National Association of Women in Construction encourages you to jump online before 4 April 2025 for your shot at the prize, which will provide a financial and professional kick start to your career.

Want to learn more about women supporting women in construction?

Check out our story with Beth Moresi, the owner of Beth Builds, and how she supports female apprentices daily.