Solid plastering apprentices Amity Gordon and Holly Crimmins are breaking down barriers in the construction industry.

Ms Gordon, a 21-year-old Narromine local, alongside her 20-year-old best friend and fellow apprentice Ms Crimmins, stumbled into the industry by chance, accepting jobs as labourers while seeking full-time employment. They studied a Certificate III in Solid Plastering at TAFE NSW Lidcombe, where they forged a friendship and a passion for solid plastering.

Both apprentices are thriving in the classroom and on the building site, with Ms Gordon securing a job with local business KJM Cement Rendering, where she is putting her skills to the test.

Graham Brisbane, TAFE NSW Plastering Teacher, said training the plasterers of the future was vitally important.

“Solid plasterers play a fundamental role in the delivery of safe, durable and compliant housing and infrastructure,” he said.

“With the population for the Central West expected to increase by almost 25,000 persons over the next fifteen years, it’s critical we have skilled young talent on the job to support the growing region.”

According to Job and Skills Australia, there are only 4600 qualified solid plasterers working in Australia and females make up just one per cent of the workforce, highlighting critical skills gaps in the building sector and the need to attract more people to the high-demand profession.

“Since Holly and Amity entered the classroom, they’ve gone from strength to strength, showing that gender doesn’t have to be a barrier for females considering a career in trade-based professions, like plastering,” Mr Brisbane added.

Being one of the only females on the job site has never deterred Ms Gordon, who sees it as an opportunity for other females who are seeking a rewarding career.

“Since day one, my employer and TAFE NSW Lidcombe have created a supportive environment for me to learn the skills I need to be successful in the industry,” she said.

“Knowing that plasterers are in short supply is a huge advantage for anyone thinking about a career in the trade. I hope my story shows other females that if I can do it, they can too,” Ms Gordon concluded.