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Rachel Niemann

Name:

Rachel Niemann

Age:

34

Location:

Murgon

Current job title:

Cabinet maker

Qualifications:

Certificate III in Furniture Making (Cabinet Making)

Past experience

Before starting a trade, I was a stay at home mum for five years for my two boys now aged seven and nine. Previous to this I worked in hospitality and as a Governess on a cattle station in the Northern Territory.

How did you get started?

I first became interested in construction after my husband and I bought our first house - an old Queenslander badly in need of renovation. After cutting my teeth on a few smaller projects, I decided it was time for a new kitchen. Over a period of a few months, while also occupied with two small children, I built our kitchen in the shed out of plywood using basic hand tools. A couple of years later I took a casual job waitressing at a local restaurant, which happened to be owned by a cabinet maker and his family. After seeing my kitchen and the other work I had done he offered me an apprenticeship at his joinery.

Greatest professional achievement

My greatest professional achievement since qualifying was winning 'Queensland Apprentice of the Year' in the Queensland Training Awards. I am also currently a finalist for the Australian Apprentice of the Year.

Challenges the job presents

One of the main challenges, I find, is that it can be quite physical and requires a good level of fitness and strength.

What you like most about your job

I love dealing with customers and helping them design and choose their kitchens. I also get great satisfaction from being able to construct something from a few sheets of board or pieces of timber. It is great to see the finished product at the end of the job.

Typical day at work

A typical day at work is quite varied for me. I can be working in the workshop, constructing a kitchen or dressing timber for joinery, or out on site doing anything from kitchen installations to built-in robes or fitting doors and windows.

Advice for other women

My advice for other women would be, if you want to get into the trades, then go for it. If you're willing to work hard and be open to trying new things, then you will receive a lot of support and guidance from others in the industry.

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