Q&A With A lady tradie -Painter and decorator
How did you first learn about painting as a trade?
I started painting with my dad at the age of 13 for pocket money. It turned out to be something that I was really good at, so I dropped out of high school and started painting full-time when I was 16.
What do you wish you knew before you started a trade?
I wish that someone had encouraged me to give other trades a go, as well as painting and decorating. Unfortunately back then it was unheard of to have women in construction so I just never had the courage. But I wish I did. I’ve learned many trades over the past two decades but I never pursued an apprenticeship in any other industry but I wish I did.
Why do you think women should start a trade?
One of the benefits of having trade knowledge in the construction industry is that, when you own your own home you can fix simple things yourself and not have to rely on others. A really empowering feeling that I often forget about. The multiple skills that you can learn in a trade can allow you to tile your own kitchen, paint a door, or repair a door in your own house. This knowledge is power. Also, when you’re doing the job right, you can earn good money.
Do you have any advice for someone looking at a trade pathway?
You should try the trade out first, to see if it is for you. Each trade is different and requires different skills. Construction and electrical have lots of math, that you need to be comfortable solving in your head. Plumbers need to see if they can handle the environment. Painting and plastering can be a messy trade and some people don’t like that. Trying the trade-out will let you see if it is the right one for you. If you do decide on a trade, become the best at it and strive to start your own business. We need more women out there to deliver that real quality work, become a mentor and train the next generation.
How did you overcome other stereotypes of being a woman on site?
Working mostly with a majority of much older men, as the only woman, I just got on with the job, without complaining or making a fuss. I suppose I made a point of working hard, doing my job better than the boys, and not quitting.
What’s next?
Now that I own my own business I hope to train more women in painting and decorating in the hopes that they might pursue a trade one day. I am really excited to see the next generation of our mob make a mark in the construction industry.
Irene Stanley owns and runs First Class Finish Painting Services based in South-East Queensland and Northern Territory.