This year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Balance for Better’ reminds us of the benefits of equity and diversity across all walks of life, particularly in fields like engineering and construction.
Our Construction Cadet, Shivanhi’s enthusiasm for a challenge and drive to succeed in what has traditionally been a male dominated field will carry her far. Shivanhi’s career path started with an IPWORD course for indigenous students followed by a Trades programme with the Connectivity Centre in Westmead Hospital.
To celebrate International Women’s Day we asked Shivanhi about her journey so far and how to make the most of opportunities in the workplace.
How did you end up working in this field? I ended up working in this field is because I always loved a challenge and construction has always interested me so much, even when I was a little girl.
Thriving in a career that I am in now gives me the confidence to be and become ambitious in life. I also want to make myself and my mother proud. In many ways this job has helped me – it was an opportunity for me to better my life and I took it – I wanted a change in my life and to grow knowledgeable in a successful environment.
What do you love about your role and the industry? What I strongly love is Precise Air’s fundamental values, which are Integrity, Safety, Customers and People. I love how everyone in this industry is so motivating and ambitious.
What I love about my role is that it gives me the chance to be a sponge – I can soak up all the knowledge that is being taught to me on-the-job. I love learning new things and my colleagues are just the people I need to help me become confident in my abilities. They inspire me to explore different career opportunities and they are not afraid to share all their knowledge with me. When I first left school I was unaware of what I wanted to do career wise, but coming into this industry has been a great influence in my day to day life, and has opened many doors for my future.
Do you see any particular challenges being in a female in a non-traditional role in the industry?
I don’t see any challenges in my role as a female – I believe a female is totally equivalent in this role and can manage the same weight load of tasks.
What are your future career goals, aspirations, positions/job titles? My future career goal is to become a Project Manager and/or a Project Engineer. My aspiration is to own a House and Travel.