When I started at the HBI Australia Newcastle office it was very male dominated as is most of the construction industry. 

So, a few years back when I was looking for a new supervisor I received a strong application from a female. I interviewed her, and well I guess the rest is history as Rachael has now been with us for nearly three years and is doing a terrific job as the Large Loss Supervisor.

I guess my immediate concern was how the dynamics of a female travelling to the sites and liaising directly with the trade partners would work, as the construction industry is known to be very male dominated and a little hot-headed. However, having an experienced carpenter with a female perspective has been great and if anything, we have fewer problems.

We now have three females in the office, and this has definitely been for the better for us, as well as the trade partners and clients we deal with every day.

Other female members of the team include Lacey our Senior Coordinator who has been with us for 2 ½ years and has grown in skills during that time and Courtney, who started out as the receptionist only 3 months ago, has just begun a new role as a Booking Coordinator.

Watching them grow in experience and skills is, for me, all the proof needed of their commitment to learn and to improve in their roles.

I thought it would be great to hear directly from each of them.

Lacey, Senior Coordinator

I started at HBI Australia in an office support role over two years ago and found myself naturally enjoying the work where I could help other people which is why my current role as Senior Coordinator fits me so well. I manage a team overseeing the tasks and providing training and support.

I adapted well, working with the trade partners who are mainly male and generally find that even if a client is surprised that they are dealing with a woman they warm to me quickly because they see that I am there to help them.

HBI Australia is very supportive when it comes to additional training which I am looking to do in project construction management.

Rachael, Large Loss Supervisor

In my role I organise the trade partners including addressing client concerns. This means that I often go out on site which I really enjoy.

I have a carpentry background which means I can relate to many of the issues that arise, and I am respected for my knowledge.

Knowing this is very important to me because in my past working life this was not always the case. It’s terrific to work in a company where I feel I am being treated equally and my gender isn’t holding me back.

Courtney, Booking Coordinator

It’s hard to believe that after 3 months working as the receptionist, two days ago I started in a new role as the Booking Coordinator. It’s all early days for me however I feel that I have found my feet working for a terrific team of people in a great work environment.

In the new role I will be connecting directly with the accessors which is something that is very new to me however I am keen to learn and to gain experience.