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Amanda Black

Name:

Amanda Black

Age:

26

Location:

Townsville

Current job title:

Hydraulic Consultant

Qualifications

• Currently Completing Diploma of Construction Hydraulics
• Plumbers and Drainers Licence – with backflow and thermostatic mixing valves endorsements
• Gas fitters licence
• Cert 3 Plumbing
• Onsite Sewerage assessment and design
• Stage 1 of WHSO
• Auto Cad

Past experience

I’ve been in the plumbing industry for almost ten years, in this time I have been a leading hand plumber, plumbing inspector and a hydraulic consultant.

How did you get started?

In grade 12 I started going with a plumber one day a week for my manual arts subject. I just fell in love with the job and the variety that it held. From there I decided to apply for an apprenticeship at the end of grade 12.

I was very lucky as a prevocational course had just finished and I was up against so many people for the position and my boss at the time admitted that the only interviewed me out of curiosity. Needless to say that they put me on, so I graduated Friday and started Monday.

Greatest professional achievement

Winning the “Dux” Australian apprentice of the year, the “Merv Harris” bursary and becoming a licensed plumber, drainer and gas fitter.

Challenges the job presents

I’ve found in both my areas of the plumbing industry that people either believe that you are not capable of doing the job, or that you don’t have the same knowledge as a male.

What you like most about your job

Variety is the best part and the constant need to be updating skills and problem solving.

Typical day at work

Designing plumbing projects which involves consultation with a variety of trades and personal in the building industry, as well as meetings and site visits and leasing with plumbers.

Advice for other women

Never give up and never be afraid to ask for help. The construction industry has so many opportunities out there that the world is defiantly your oyster.

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