In April, we are saying a huge congratulations to one of our 2nd year apprentices. Ellie Hodges is a young woman who is currently in her second year of carpenter apprenticeship, with a bright future ahead of her. Her journey to this point has not been without its challenges, but through determination, perseverance and a strong desire to follow her own path, she has overcome them all.
Ellie attended an all girls high school until year 10, but having been diagnosed with dyslexia, didn’t enjoy it as a result. Leaving work, she avoided typical office vocations, not wanting to be stressed about spelling something wrong or saying the wrong thing, and began exploring different trades.
With the help of her dad, who is a plumber, she was able to gain work experience in various trades through friends, family, and professional contacts. However, she also experienced the reality of trying to become a female apprentice, when one workplace she tried decided that they were not ready to introduce a girl permanently on site.
Despite this setback, Ellie did not give up on her dreams and continued to pursue her passion for carpentry.
Through her contacts, she landed a job with Cubitt’s in March this year, and has been thriving ever since. Cubitt’s has a long-standing history of supporting women in trades, and actively seeks to employ the best carpenters, regardless of gender. Diversity in the workplace is highly valued at Cubitt’s, and the company recognizes that it is a key factor in driving innovation and growth.
As outlined in our article "Generation of Women Careers Built on Cubitt’s Carpenter Apprenticeship", Cubitt’s has been offering carpenter apprenticeships for over 25 years, and has seen a growing number of women entering the industry over the past decade. Managing Director, Kate Cubitt believes that providing opportunities for women in trades is not only important for gender equality, but it also helps to address the skills shortage in the industry. By actively seeking to employ and support women in trades, Cubitt’s is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Ellie is a shining example of the success that can be achieved by young women in trades. She has just won a scholarship through her TAFE studies, which includes a mentorship program, on-site mentoring, and a cash prize.
A carpenter apprenticeship is four years long with 3 years employment that includes 1 day a week for studies. The fourth year involves full time work. Ellie says she is “just happy to be working in a normal workplace”. Her advice to other women who want to work in trades is to go for it, use every contact that you possibly can to go and do it, and don't take getting knocked back for an answer. There is a place for women on job sites, and Ellie is living proof of that.
Ellie's story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity and proves that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. She is a shining example of how a young woman can break the mould and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Congratulations to Ellie on her scholarship and her achievements thus far, and the whole team at Cubitt’s are behind you ready to help you – and all our apprentices – thrive at work.
Cubitt's is committed to fostering equal employment opportunities and promoting diversity in the workplace - at all job types. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to a stronger and more innovative team, and we actively seek to create an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of gender, race, age, or background, can thrive. As part of our commitment to equality, we prioritise using our in-house trades for our builds which helps ensure quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. We believe that employing the best talent, regardless of gender, is essential in delivering the highest standards of construction and craftsmanship to our valued customers. hello@cubitts.com.au
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