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Cassandra McLaughlan

Name:

Cassandra McLaughlan

Age:

34

Location:

Brisbane

Current job title:

Apprentice sprinkler fitter

Qualifications

Have just entered the second year of my apprenticeship.

Past experience

Before starting my apprenticeship, I’ve been a coffee maker, worked in hospitality, as a construction labourer (cleaning up construction sites), and a full-time mum.

How did you get started?

I went through a program called Women in Plumbing run by Annie Cowling at the Plumbers Union. It was an excellent way to get started and gave me the chance to gain work experience and talk to other women already working in trades.

Greatest professional achievement

Getting my apprenticeship!

Challenges the job presents

You need a lot of physical strength for this job, and at times, you also need to have a thick skin. For the first couple of months, I was exhausted. The only other real challenge I’ve experienced is being taken seriously by the guys and proving that I’m capable, but it helps that I love my job.

What you like most about your job

I love being on the tools and getting in and doing physical, dirty work. My job is different and challenging everyday. I love the way it teaches my two girls that you can go out there and do what you want to do regardless of the obstacles. I get a sense of achievement from my work and my job has also given me the ability to support myself and my kids financially.

Typical day at work

A typical day can be anything from doing heavy construction to service and testing. Construction is installing new systems from the ceiling down. Service is more about maintenance on existing sprinkler systems, which is a great way to problem-solve and learn how everything works. So when I go into work in the morning, I don’t know whether I'll be hanging new pipe or fixing a leaking valve set, so it’s never boring.

Advice for other women

That if you want it and are willing to work hard, you can do it. Just put yourself out there and go for it. My job has given me personal satisfaction and a new belief in myself.

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