Girls in Hard Hats
This panel event was part of the Women in Hard Hats program, and provided girls with the opportunity to meet and discuss their career plans with successful women working in the exciting fields of mining, construction, science, engineering and technology.
Working in mining and construction
Girls in Hard Hats presents some inspiring women telling their own stories about what they love in their work and what motivates them. Read some of their stories below.
Nicole Batchler
Seymour Whyte Constructions, Sunshine Coast
I am Seymour Whyte Construction's first female Project Engineer.
Since graduating from CQU Rockhampton in 2000, I've had a variety of roles in both local government and civil construction.
What initially inspired me to enter the industry was the ability to become a part of building something tangible. With the current boom in civil infrastructure improvement, now is a great time to be a part of some exciting and impressive projects.
Working in construction is both rewarding and challenging. I get to see some great places and work with interesting people. I love being part of constructing and creating something that impacts the community for years to come. Seeing the finished product gives a great sense of achievement and satisfaction both personally and for the whole team.
Carla Boehl
Senior Civil Design Engineer - Citiwater, Townsville City Council
I studied in Portugal, USA and Germany. I worked part-time at the University of Stuttgart whilst I was studying and as a trainee in different institutions.
My greatest achievement was working with McKinsey teams in Brazil and Japan. I have always been passionate about hydraulic engineering and I very much enjoy guiding my staff in their professional development.
There is no such thing as a typical day at work. One day I sit doing computer modelling and another I run through different construction sites.
There's absolutely nothing wrong in having more fun trying to understand the way things work than the traditional girly stuff. Just because you are a girl it does not mean you'll have to be a teacher or a nurse or any of the other assistant positions traditionally done by women. Yes, you too can run the shop! And the salaries of an Engineer are very attractive, so, yes, if things get tough, you can afford to go for some "retail therapy"!
Viv French
Mechanical Engineer Russell Mineral Equipment, Toowoomba
I have been working in a graduate mechanical engineering role for 18 months. My role at work is a design/project engineer for equipment in the mining industry. I chose engineering as a career path in year 12 mainly because my strong subjects were maths and science. I tried to get a feel for the jobs I would be exposed to when I finished my degree and I could see myself going down that pathway.
The best part of my job is completing my own project where everything depends on my competency, and then seeing the machine I designed leave the workshop completed.
Challenges include learning new processes and engineering concepts and applying them to a project I have total responsibility for whilst running to a tight deadline - not to mention also juggling ten other smaller jobs at the same time, which are also urgent!
Melanie Gordon
Senior Mechanical Engineer, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)
Goonyella Riverside Mine, Moranbah
I have worked in the mining industry for seven years. Since completing my mechanical engineering degree I have worked as a risk management professional, safety professional, mechanical engineer and now a project manager.
My role involves a wide variety of tasks and I am constantly facing new challenges and developing my skills as a project manager, engineer and supervisor. I lead a small team of engineers whose primary focus is managing major maintenance projects, typically dragline and shovel shutdowns. I have worked in Australia and internationally for several employers and I am now studying a Masters of Project Management.
Melanie was the recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Queensland Resources Council in 2006.
Jodie Grant
Cabinet Maker, Coopers Joinery, Toowoomba
I have worked in my current job for the last three and a half years. Previously I did a year of a school based apprenticeship through a different company. My day-to-day jobs include making kitchens for Tamawood Homes and bathroom vanities. It also involves setting up and working on machinery.
I've always been interested in working with timber and did work experience in both carpentry and cabinet making before deciding on my career path.
I have just received my trade qualification and am hoping to do some more study on solid timber work as I don't get to do any at Coopers. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the number of colour combinations you see when putting together kitchens, both good and bad!
Nikki Heather
Painting and Decorating - Mackay
I finished my painting and decorating apprenticeship in three years and seven months and I have now been working as a fully qualified painter for a year and half.
I was very fortunate to be nominated and then selected as the Mackay and North Queensland Apprentice of the Year through the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF).
The reason why I first entered the construction industry was mainly because of the influence of my parents. I chose painting because I felt it would best suit my personality out of all the other trades.
The best thing about my trade is the satisfaction you feel at the end of every job. I paint a lot of brand new homes as well as renovation jobs. There is nothing better than walking into a poorly maintained home and when you finish the job it looks like a completely new house.
There are many challenges that come with my job but the number one would have to be all the unexpected problems that pop up each and every day and basically just being ready for anything. Over time I have found that painting has a lot to do with patience and tolerance.
The best advice I can give to any women or girl thinking about a trade is just give it a go, because just like me you could end up loving every minute of it.
Kaitlyn Honeyman
Apprentice Bricklayer, Rockhampton
I am 17 years of age. Working in the industry started long before high school. I was working for my father when I was only about six or seven. I started my apprenticeship in bricklaying in 2004 after I had to do a week of work experience. I did some bricklaying for my Dad and two days at the hairdressing salon, where I got a great piece of advice from one of the girls who said to do whatever makes you happy. So after a bit of persuading, I convinced my Dad to take me on. Because I still wanted to graduate from high school I didn't drop out and I finished Year 12.
I have always been around jobsites. I am rarely discriminated against. The boys I work with are close to my age and we all go out together and get along like great mates. The older guys on site are good too. I love what I do, I love the people I work with and the places I get to go.
Nancy Kerins
Production Engineer - BOC, Townsville
I finished University in Auckland and started on the BOC Graduate Program in Sydney.
I enjoy the variety of work. Being a small site there's just one engineer covering all areas of the site, where in Sydney you'd only get to work in one area. Some of the areas include, acetylene plant, high pressure gas filling, liquefied gas filling as well as managing training and safety onsite.
Each day I get to do a "walk around" of the entire site to check that each plant is manned and running and liaise with the shift supervisor about any issues. I check and respond to emails, check the ever changing "to do list" and prioritise what needs to be done or started that day.
Don't ever let anyone make you feel inferior; you are as good as anyone else!
Anna McMullen
Manager Project Approvals, Rio Tinto Coal Australia
I am the manager of project approvals at Rio Tinto Coal Australia and have worked in environmental management roles in the mining and constructions industries for the past 18 years.
I have experience in underground and open-cut operations in coal, uranium, copper, gold and bauxite and worked in diverse geographical and social environments in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
I have been a mentor to many vacation students and actively promotes the mining industry by co-ordinating mine site tours for the public, school and university students and where possible organises high school work experience placements.
Site tours and work experience placements are a most satisfying form of communicating to people about mining and educating them about how mines operate and the potential career opportunities.
I still love my job and am really keen for young people to experience the industry and the variety of challenges available. I will continue to promote the industry and encourage another generation to give mining a go.
I have worked my way up to a senior role, while juggling family duties with her husband and three children.
Liz O'Brien
Fisheries Biologist and now, Principal Policy Officer,
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane
I completed a Bachelor of Science with 1st class honours, Doctor of Philosophy
I figured since most of my adult life was likely to be spent at work I better enjoy what I do. I enjoyed the discovery of science; I loved the ocean and biology so I did a degree in Science at the University of Queensland. I followed this up with an honours degree in aquaculture. It's hard to break into the industry so I volunteered at the Queensland Museum - sorting through vials and jars of marine worms. After persistently sending letters to CSIRO's marine centre at Cleveland I followed up with a phone call and, right place right time, got a temporary job as a prawn technician. Taking every opportunity to learn and do something new set me up for the future.
My greatest professional achievement is making a real difference with my aquaculture research for a regional based industry - saucer scallop sea ranching.
There's a lot of problem solving in science but that's also what makes it fun. You can be THE first to do something, the first to discover something.
I love the chance to make a difference, to help farmers undertake profitable and sustainable primary industries and to contribute to our knowledge of the world we live in.
With passion and dedication you can achieve anything you want - chase your dreams
Loretta Reid
Director, Sales Team - Safe Options Solutions
I have over 20 years of experience in rigging and height safety equipment.
I focus on 'solutions' to problems, and am able to use my broad experience and product knowledge to help solve site safety problems.
I started at Safe Option Solutions in 2001 and since that time have worked with personnel from mine sites, refineries and construction sites to offer user-friendly safety outcomes.
Kelly Stokes
Project Engineer - Citiwater, Townsville City Council
I was always interested in having a career, not just a job.
I was good at Maths and Science at school and I went to a University open day to talk to every Department that had something to do with those subjects. I enrolled in a BE at UQ as it had a common 1st year and I got to try a lot of fields before deciding what I wanted to specialise in.
I worked for 2 years as a Graduate Metallurgist in Mount Isa with Mount Isa Mines, 2 years at Sun Metals Zinc Refinery in Townsville and I've been at Citiwater, Townsville City Council for 9 months.
I have two roles at Townsville City Council. I am a Contracts Engineer where I write specifications, make tender documents and organise advertising, etc and I am also a Construction Engineer where I schedule day time construction work for a new water supply scheme, order materials and talk to stakeholders.
It's hard work, but you need to take some time out for yourself every week. It is easy to get wrapped up in your job. If you don't look after yourself and take a break, you will get burnt out and won't be able to do your best at work.
Kelly won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2006 Resources Awards for Women.
Melissa Styles
Project Manager, Roche Mining
QMag Kunwarara Open Cut Magnesia Mine, Central Queensland
I am the first female Project Manager at Kunwarara.
What I most enjoy about my job is the diversity and variety of daily tasks - the job never gets boring because of the constant changes around you. Working on a mine site can be unpredictable, is often challenging, but is never dull or monotonous.
I also enjoy working towards tangible goals: in my career, in on site production and even in everyday tasks, and seeing these come to fruition.
I have had a variety of roles in my career, which started as an underground miner. I have been Chief Surveyor, Project Engineer and computer systems Training Coordinator among other things.
Mining is a great field to get into, with more and more great opportunities for women.
Melissa was awarded a 'Professional Recognition' award in the 2007 Resources Award for Women.
Chontelle Tracey
Apprentice electrician, Static Electrics, Sunshine Coast
I am a fourth year apprentice electrician with Static Electrics.
I decided to become involved in a trade while still at school and was the only girl in my pre-apprenticeship electrical course at TAFE. Everyone was really nice and I went onto get an apprenticeship. I'll finish that in November this year.
I learn something new every day in my job, there's always more than one way to do something. I am also learning to do valuations so when my boss is away I am able to take on some of his work. I also get to travel all over the coast to do jobs and every day is different.
A lot of people assume you have to be macho to get into the trades, but I combine my job with part-time modelling - you can still be 'girly' while working as an electrician.
With my skills I have a lot of career options open to me. What I would like to do is work in the mines as an electrician for a couple of years to save up enough money to go overseas. The sky's the limit.
Amanda Tunbridge
Environmental scientist, consultant, Sunshine Coast
Since completing my environmental management science degree, I have been awarded a scholarship to research dolphins in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne; worked in research on the biological control of weeds in native ecosystems; published a scientific paper on methods of germination suppression used by weeds on native species; and worked in various industries such as horticulture, manufacturing and finance.
I am currently studying towards my Masters of Climate Change Adaptation at the University of the Sunshine Coast This involves utilizing environmental simulation modeling and decision support tools for risk assessment and integrated management planning.
I really enjoy working in the science arena. It is always evolving, stimulating and challenging. Climate change adaptation is a new area providing tools for management. Although the science has been studied for decades, risk, vulnerability and adaptive assessments of climate change are just beginning to emerge into government and private sectors. It is exciting to be at the forefront of a new field of science based management, and to be involved in the education and training of emerging software and planning tools.
Amanda was the recipient of the 'Women in Science' bursary from the Zonta Club of Noosa.
Carla Valmorbida
Project Engineer - Baulderstone Hornibrook
Since graduating from Civil Engineering, Melbourne University in 2005, I moved to the Gold Coast and was the Site Engineer on the Twin Towns hotel and apartment complex prior to coming to Townsville.
After nine months as the Site Engineer here, I was promoted to Project Engineer when the original Project Engineer returned to Brisbane.
The Townsville correctional project is over $100 million dollars worth of building and civil work and will hold 154 female prisoners when in operation.
Having a position in the construction industry allows you extensive opportunities to travel both within Australia and overseas.
It's a fantastic experience to be working with a new group of people in a new location every few years, you're certainly not stuck in a predictable job in the same building year after year! Saying that, there's plenty of scope and variety in most cities to remain in the same location should you prefer.
Building something you can physically see is one of the most satisfying experiences. Week by week, you can see the hours of hard work translated into real progress - getting ever closer to the final product. Handing over a project to a happy client that has been finished well, on time and to budget is the ultimate goal in this industry and the feeling when it's achieved is the ultimate reward.
Eve Willems
Senior Project Manager, GHD, Sunshine Coast
I have worked in the engineering/construction industry for 15 years. Since completing my engineering and law degrees, I have had a wide range of satisfying and interesting career opportunities.
I have worked for clients, contractors, consultants and law firms in various roles. I also lecture at Griffith University in Project Management to future engineers. My dual degrees and experience give me versatility and flexibility in the market force.
Due to my background I have been involved in all types of projects such as schools, roads, golf course estates, sugar sheds the size of football fields, civil subdivisions, construction disputes and mediations.
I thoroughly enjoy what I do for a living and I look forward to work everyday. The people and projects I do always have competing interests and that makes my life never dull. My work environment gives me both professional and personal satisfaction. I embrace every challenge that comes with the territory.
Carlie Wright
Plumbing Inspector - Brisbane City Council
I'm a licensed plumber, drainer and gas fitter by trade, and now have moved along the career path to become a plumbing inspector. When I completed my apprenticeship as a plumber I was the fourth or fifth licensed female in Queensland.
In 1999 I started my school-based apprenticeship in the plumbing industry and worked with my father in our family business. Much to my surprise my father suggested that I could take the opportunity to do a plumbing apprenticeship and become a full time tradesperson, which I thought was quite amusing.
I have now been in the construction industry for over eight years and have loved every minute of it. Yes there were plenty of challenges throughout this time, but I think that is what makes you a stronger person in yourself.
What I love most about my job is that I'm out in the field everyday and not stuck in an office. Plus I'm never in the same spot twice, everyday is different.
I would love to encourage more females to enter the construction industry, as you will have nothing to lose but lot's to gain. JUST GO FOR IT!!!!!
Last updated: 24 June 2008
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