Ever wondered what it’s really like to swap textbooks for tool belts? In this episode of Life of a Female Tradie, Michelle aka The Carpentry Girl; shares her career journey from leaving university to jump into the world of carpentry. She dives into the realities of her apprenticeship, the ups and downs of working in a male-dominated industry, and how an awful knee injury created a tough road ahead. Michelle also talks about finding work-life balance, building her identity as a female carpenter, and the powerful sense of community among women in trades. With honest stories, practical insights, and a fun rapid-fire round to wrap things up, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about the life of a tradie, a career in carpentry, doing an apprenticeship and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in construction.

Takeaways

• Michelle transitioned from studying architecture to carpentry after discovering her passion for hands-on work.
• The first winter as an apprentice is a significant challenge that tests resilience.
• Injury recovery can be a long process, but it can also lead to personal growth and new perspectives.
• Balancing work and personal life is a continuous learning experience for tradespeople.
• Women in trades often face unique challenges but can find support and camaraderie among each other.
• Building a personal brand can open up unexpected opportunities in the trade industry.
• The importance of making the work easier for other trades, like decorators, is often overlooked.
• Humor and light-heartedness can help navigate the challenges of working on site.
• Networking with other tradespeople can lead to valuable advice and support.
• Every job completed brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

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Instagram: thecarpentrygirl

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:07 Journey into Carpentry

03:47 Apprenticeship Experiences

06:20 Starting a Business During Apprenticeship

08:59 Injury and Recovery

11:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life

14:19 Recent Life Changes and Future Plans

22:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics on Construction Sites

25:28 The Joys and Challenges of Carpentry

27:27 Pride in Craftsmanship and Job Satisfaction

29:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Trades

32:15 Experiences in the Spotlight: Working with Regatta

36:48 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

44:17 Thanks for listening

44:31 outro

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