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Carlie Wright

Name:

Carlie Wright

Age:

24

Location:

Brisbane

Current job title:

Plumbing Inspector

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Construction (General Plumbing Trade)
• Certificate IV in Domestic Wastewater Management
• Diploma of Engineering (Restricted Electrical)
• Certificate II in Workplace First Aid (Senior First Aid)

Past experience

Five years Plumbing and three years as a Plumbing Inspector

How did you get started?

I was at a point in my life where I just wanted to leave school, but I thought if I left school and regretted it, I'd have to repeat. It was at that time when I was informed about the School Based Apprenticeships. This meant three days at school, one day at TAFE and one day on the job. I then went home and asked my dad if I could do an apprenticeship with him as a Plumber. All he could say was "Are you sure you really want to do this?"

Greatest professional achievement

Becoming a licensed plumber at the age of 21 and becoming a Plumbing Inspector not long after.

Challenges the job presents

The major challenge in both careers I have had is being a female in a male-dominated industry. This is being one of only seven licensed female Plumbers in Queensland and the only female plumbing inspector. There were, and are, plenty of other challenges but you will get these in any other career choice as well, not just the male-dominated areas.

What you like most about your job

Being outdoors and not stuck in an office and obviously the money.

Typical day at work

Conducting plumbing inspections on both domestic and commercial job sites throughout Brisbane and making sure the licensed plumbers have installed all their plumbing work to the Australian Standards.

Advice for other women

Just go for it as you will have nothing to lose but lots to gain, you just don't know where the construction industry can lead you to. Take it from me... and please do not let anything or anyone hold you back from doing something that you dream of doing as you may regret it later on.

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