Demi Drew was done with the hospitality industry. “I really, really wanted to get out of the kitchen and I really, really, really wanted to do a trade!”

Taking a risk

A friend who was doing her third-year apprenticeship with Maverick Builders told Demi they were looking for more trainee carpenters and bricklayers.

“I pretty much walked in and told them I wanted a job as a bricklayer, and they were all for it from day dot! They’re so supportive in that regard, everyone at Maverick is really good.”

For Demi, going into a male-dominated industry was a bonus.

“When I was growing up, I always got along better with the boys, I always played sport with all the guys at school. I knew being in a male environment was better for me.”

Growing in confidence

Now in the second year of her apprenticeship, Demi is stoked with her choice of career.

“I love it. It’s beautiful, it’s so good and it’s so physical. Definitely keeps you fit! When I first started, I couldn’t even push a wheelbarrow on its own, and now I can push a wheelbarrow completely full of mud, or completely full of bricks.”

The learning curve was steep at first, both mentally and physically.

“It’s like when you go to the gym. You don’t start off on all the heavy stuff, you start little and then work your way up. It’s all part of the learning process.

Developing new skills

Measurements and maths, I never could have done any of that when I first started. But now, I can just look at the ruler and go yep, that’s exactly where that needs to be, or look at the tape and know off the top of my head, I can tell you exactly how long 1200 is.

My mentor Richard, he’s a wicked bricklayer, I think he’s absolutely unreal. He’s like my Yoda! Everything I know, he’s taught me.”

Her new-found strength and skills have led to a huge confidence boost.

“I never would have been the person that I am today if I didn’t start this job. I definitely lacked confidence prior to this job, but it’s given me a lot of confidence in regard to so many things and being able to talk to people. Coming onto a brand new job site, I can just walk up and talk to anyone.”

Go for it!

Demi’s looking forward to building her own home one day, and perhaps being a business owner herself. She’d absolutely recommend bricklaying to anyone.

“If you’re a girl out there and you’re really thinking about getting into a trade, just do it. There’s so many things you’ll miss out on if you don’t; so many amazing things that come with bricklaying, or carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, whatever you want to do. So if you’re thinking about it, just go for it!”