We recently caught up with Women in Construction trainee Everlyn, who is completing a Certificate III in Civil Construction.
After a year of early mornings, late nights and plenty of lessons along the way, she is sharing her top 6 survival tips for anyone considering a construction traineeship.
I started on night shift, and it definitely took some getting used to. I thought I was ready, but night work is a different kind of challenge.
My body had no idea what was going on. I tried a few different sleep routines before finding one that worked. Six solid hours during the day, a one-hour nap before my shift, and meals that fit around my schedule rather than the clock.
One thing I underestimated was hydration. After getting a headache from dehydration at 4am that made me question everything, I now always keep water close by.
And in winter, the cold hits hard. At 2am, even your gloves feel useless. Layers are essential!
After nine months on night shifts, I moved to day shifts and walked straight into the middle of summer. Working on fresh asphalt in thirty-five-degree weather, wearing full PPE, is not something you can prepare for.
There were days when I was sweating through my socks and times when I even got sunburnt through my gloves. Now I wear a full sun wrap (yes, I might look like a ninja) and cover up with zinc on my hands, arms and face.
It might not be glamorous, but it works.
One rainy day, my boots got completely soaked, and the next morning they were still wet. Pulling them on at 5am was certainly a low point.
Now I keep two pairs. One stays dry, the other is ready for muddy disaster days. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
Some of my crew buy lunch every day and end up spending more than $150 a week. I bring my own meals in a thermos container so I can eat like a queen.
Not all trucks have microwaves, and sometimes we do not get back to base in time for a proper break. Having something ready to go means I can eat well and keep my energy up no matter where we are.
I never leave for work without a packed PPE bag. Spare clothes, a proper rain jacket and wet weather trousers are non-negotiable.
Some days, I start warm and dry and end up looking like I have gone swimming in a pothole. You cannot control the weather, but you can be ready for it.
My toughest moment was injuring my wrist. I had ignored the warning signs, thinking it was nothing. After one shift, I went home, slept, and woke up unable to lift a dinner plate.
It took five months to recover. Since then, I have been careful to rotate tasks, take proper breaks and not push through pain. One small injury can throw your whole life out of rhythm.
One year in, and I am still here, still learning and still proud of what I have achieved. This job is not easy, but it has shown me just how capable I am.
If you are thinking about applying for the Women in Construction program, I say go for it. Prepare yourself, take care of your body and do not be afraid to give something new a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
Remember, this job is tough… but you’re tougher.
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