Apprentice Carpenter
Name: Mel Reinshagen
Career stage: Still studying!
Working: On site
Favourite Subject: Food tech. I loved cooking and love food. I love how creative you can get with it
Further study: TAFE
where and what: I completed Cert 4 in Commercial Cookery and am currently doing Cert 3 in Carpentry
"I was a chef for 15 years but was slowly losing my drive. I needed a career change and needed something just as hands on."
the inside scoop…
What does an Apprentice carpenter actually do? I'm just starting out as an Apprentice Carpenter. Being new to the industry can be a little scary but if you watch, listen, and take notes you will be surprised with how much you learn
What does a day in your life at work look like? Get to site, help get tools out, have a briefing and get to it. The framing stage of a job is always fun because there's a lot to do and seeing the area go from having nothing to all of a sudden having frames up. First you mark out all your lines, measure timber and cut, then nail it all together.
What's the best part of your job? Just how diverse the job is. Everyday is different so it's never boring!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I was a chef for 15 years but was slowly losing my drive. I needed a career change and needed something just as hands on as cheffing. I could never sit behind a desk and I had always taken an interest in what my dad did (he is a builder) I had been told by him that it's a man's world and women didn't belong on job sites but I wanted to prove him wrong!
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? At first, my dad didn't agree with my career change. He didn't think woman belonged in construction, but having almost gotten through the first year, he couldn't be prouder. He has actually come around to the idea of me being a chippy and has realised how many females are actually in the industry now
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Don't let anything or anyone stop you. Do your research and if you have your heart set on a career, go for it
What's the best thing about working in construction? Constantly learning and being kept on your toes
Mel is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Mel Reinshagen" and we'll pass your message on.