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Erin McGurk

Name:

Erin McGurk

Age:

25

Location:

Graceville

Current job title:

Carpenter

Qualifications

• Business Management for the construction industry
• General safety and induction to the construction industry course
• Blue card
• First Aid Certificate

How did you get started?

I grew up in family of five strong girls, our father is a builder and we were brought up around building sites. Like any family in business there was never a question of gender, if there was a job to do you simply got on with it. Our boundaries were never limited, we could do and achieve anything. 'Construction' is such a wide and varied field, so full of energy, enthusiasm and completely fascinating, I think it is only natural that I would pursue a career in this field.

Challenges the job presents

Of course, after 8 years in the industry I still find I am pushing the stereotypical boundary of a construction worker. Truth be told it can be hard being a female construction worker, working predominantly in a male world. There are times when co-workers smirk at you, laugh and talk behind your back and believe you are not capable of the job and yes, I'd be lying if I said there weren't times I have been treated as less than equal. It's just like any other profession, once you prove that you are more than capable of doing the job required, the others on site tend to be really supportive. Times are changing and the industry is evolving.

What you like most about your job

I love the challenges that construction throws at you, I love the physical activity, I don't ever see myself working a desk job. I love being outdoors and mentally and physically pushing my boundaries to complete the job at hand.

Typical day at work

A huge question, there are no typical days in construction, that's half the fun. The only common denominator is that each day tends to be dirty. Each day presents new challenges and a changed workload, depending on the job or the deadlines required. An ever-changing workload means you are always on your toes, thinking and adapting.

Advice for other women

Leave your expectations at home, believe in yourself and your abilities, have guts and determination, study hard and be prepared to prove you are more than capable of completing the task at hand.

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