Charlie, Sophie, Billi and Daniela are challenging stereotypes and putting hammer to nail in the hope of gaining a carpentry apprenticeship.
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
A GROUP of girls from the West are overhauling stereotypes and showing that women can succeed in a male dominated industry, even if it means ditching the heels and handbags for a tool belt and overalls.
Charlie Agius, of St Albans, Billi Johnstone, Kealba, Daniela Lopez, Seddon, and Sophie Tamarangi, Werribee, had each harboured a desire to become a builder since a young age.
Now the four female students are challenging the idea that the only nails women are interested in are on their fingers by working hard at a Victoria University carpentry course.
Charlie said after a few years of working in the retail industry, she decided to follow many of her relatives into a trade and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands,” the 21-year-old said.
“I’ve always been a hands on person and used to play with the offcuts and nails when I was a kid.”
And she said the girls are definitely keeping up with the lads – maybe even surpassing them with their skills in the classroom.
Teacher Anthony Sims agreed and said they can design, saw, build and hammer as well as their male peers, and give as much back as they get when it comes to jokes about their ability.
