Connecting Women to Trades: Sarah Lane’s Inspiring Career Journey in Construction

Skillset’s Connecting Women to Trades (CWTT) program is a free service which encourages women to consider and explore trade careers, as well as gain practical experience via a work placement, apprenticeship or traineeship in a non-traditional trade.

One of CWTT’s participants is Sarah Lane. Sarah is a currently completing a Project Management Traineeship with Hines Constructions in Bathurst. Skillset recently spoke with Sarah to understand her experience with the CWTT program so far, her motivations for choosing a non-traditional trade and her plans for the future.

Q: What led you to pursue a trade qualification?

Sarah: My family works in the construction industry. My father is a construction site manager and my brother is a qualified carpenter. I always wanted to get into a career where I could work indoors and outdoors, and use my hands. I grew up making little projects with my dad and brother so I developed an interest in carpentry and making things from a young age.

Q: What did you do before this traineeship?

Sarah: When I was in Year 11, I left school and became an apprentice carpenter. I finished my first year and then left the trade. I then went into childcare and completed a childcare traineeship, and from there, I worked in sales. However, I was always keen to be different and didn’t want to work in a stereotypical job. I had this feeling I still wanted to do something with construction. My dad spoke with Hines Constructions and they told him I should approach Skillset who then organised the traineeship I am undertaking in Project Management.

Q: Did you have any concerns about being a woman working in a male-dominated industry?

Sarah: Yes, I did have initial concerns. When I started my carpentry apprenticeship, there were no other females at the work site and I was the only female in the TAFE class. Remembering this, I spoke to my dad about it. My dad is like my best friend. His advice was to give the traineeship a go. He explained there are hurdles to overcome in any workplace and if you want to work in a career that you love, you have to push through these concerns.

Q: How would you rate the traineeship so far?

Sarah: I think my interests align really well with my traineeship and placement at Hines Constructions. I have received endless support from Skillset and I am very grateful for this. My mentor in the workplace, Lindsi Frisby has also been great. Lindsi is a Project Manager at Hines Constructions. It is valuable having someone in the workplace to look up to who is also a woman – ultimately, I could be like Lindsi one day!

Q: What are your short and long term goals?

Sarah: My short term goals are to get through the study and the traineeship. I want to learn as much as I can and be as knowledgeable as possible. My long term goals are to be a Project Manager in the construction industry.

Q: What advice would you give to other young women who are interested in taking up a trade skills pathway?

Sarah: If you are interested in a career and it sticks in your mind for a long time, then just do it. Have no doubts and no regrets. Just go for it!

If you are interested in accessing FREE support through the Connecting Women to Trades program, fill in a contact form or call 1300 853 525.