Painter, Decorator, Artist
Name: Kassy Abriola
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: Art, Graphic Arts
Favourite: Art as it's my favourtite thing. I love to draw and paint.
Further study: College
where and what: Certificate in Paint and Decorating and Diploma in Interior Design.
"If an office isn’t for you, this is the rest of your life so go for it. If you love being outdoors and physically moving, than a trade is perfect."
the inside scoop…
What does a Painter, Decorator and Artist actually do? I maintain a theme park. I used to paint houses but didn’t quite fit my personal needs. I was lucky enough to find a job that I can be creative and diverse but still learn everyday.
What does a day in your life at work look like? On-site at the theme park I start my day with a tool box meeting along with the other all male staff in maintenance. We discuss what we are doing and address daily needs and requirements. If I’m working off a plan and need to organise paint or products I get in touch with suppliers to do that. I then organise my work space and tools needed for the specific job. Daily my job changes as other things pop up that are time sensitive and or need to be safe when working with the public. I do what the job requires and then do a ‘pack down’ for the next day. Placing chemicals or other dangerous goods locked away or lock out tags on certain rides.
What's the best part of your job? The variety of different jobs, colours, products, people, I’m a person that loves being busy and learning so repetitive white walls got boring. I love that one day I can be working on a roller coaster and the next I can be doing murals, backdrops for food, garden beds, lock boxes, faint flowers and spiders. List goes on!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I have always wanted to be an artist but couldn’t make it into a full time job so got into house painting instead.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? You can do it, you are strong. An office isn’t for you and this is the rest of your life so go for it. You love being outdoors and physically moving so a trade is perfect.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Go for it. Don’t let anyone hold you back and reach your goals. Times have changed and we are lucky enough to be apart of the trade industry.
Tell us about a favourite project you're working on. Halloween is my favourite project I work on. I do mural designs, prop work, maze layouts, giant gave sites, fake blood paints. It is crazy fun and the artist side of me just LOVES this. Closes thing to Hollywood prop designs on the Sunshine Coast.
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Kassy Abriola engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
