Ana and Danielle Biddle on the job for RJ and RA Building Ltd where they have joined the growing number of women taking up building as a career. Gisborne Herald photo.

 

Two sisters are leading the way into the local construction scene after finishing EIT’s construction programme.

Ana and Danielle Biddle have become the first female apprentices taken on by RJ and RA Building Ltd, and owner Rod Dear is rapt with their progress.

“We have been so impressed with them,” he said.

“It really has been a change in perspective for us all and it has been going really well.”

He initially took on Ana last year after being approached by Kath Kitchen from Traue Joinery, who had seen Ana’s potential but could not take her on.

Mr Dear decided to give Ana a go and was soon impressed by her enthusiasm, work ethic and attention to detail. He signed her on as an apprentice.

He was so delighted by her progress that he decided to sign on Ana’s sister Danielle as well when she too graduated from EIT’s construction programme. 

Both women have been interested in building since they were children, having practical parents who liked doing things themselves and teaching their children.

“I have always loved working with wood – being creative and making and fixing things,” said Ana.

The woodwork course at Gisborne Girls High School progressed to the EIT programme via the Gateway programme, culminating in career openings for both.

“I was finding it hard to get a job,” said Danielle.

“I am stoked to get an apprenticeship.”

Their employer pays their apprenticeship fees and any books they might need.

As president of the Gisborne Master Builders, Rod Dear is a strong advocate for the Gateway programme which helped students transit from school and the EIT construction programme, which helped them transition into the workforce.

“There is a huge shortage of young people going into the trades and you can earn while you learn,” he said.

While there were a growing number of women taking up building apprenticeships nationwide, it had not happened in Gisborne until recently.

EIT Tairāwhiti school of trades and technology tutor Howard Irving said 20 percent of the students in the trade sector at EIT were female.

“I rate females on my level three programme very highly. They are very self-motivated and committed to their study.

“Their work is detailed and they follow instructions well. They can think a job through from start to finish. “

Mr Irving believes women are an untapped asset to the industry.

“They make great painters, plasterers and plumbers because of their attention to detail.”

EIT’s Level 3 construction programme provides 85 of the 320 credits needed to qualify as a builder.

Interviews start in November for the next intake. Level 2 introductory programmes are held in Ruatoria, Uawa and Gisborne, according to demand.