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BUILDING A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY THAT IS MINE An interview with Ashleigh Hiemstra Carpenter, Registered Builder and Director, Merge Building & NAWIC Chapter Education Committee Member (WA)
Whilst the under-representation of females working in construction trades is well documented, data suggests the tide is finally turning1. Women have a growing presence on construction sites and are increasingly being drawn to trades, such as carpentry and electrical, that offer excellent employment and wage prospects. The construction industry has also seen significant growth in female-led and female-owned businesses over the past few years. Ashleigh Hiemstra is one of the passionate, creative and inspirational women leading this charge. Ashleigh’s role as Director of her own construction company, Merge Building, varies depending on what jobs she has under construction. A typical day might involve site visits, meeting with trades onsite to ensure all works are carried out as required, client liaison, organising the next stage of a build and following up with trades and suppliers. At the end of each day, Ashleigh can be found in her office quoting upcoming projects. Tell us a bit about Merge Building Merge Building is a small, boutique, residential construction company in Perth. My company specialises in second storey additions, extensions, whole home renovations and custom new builds. Merge Building helps clients from the beginning. I help them finalise their ideas and turn them into working drawings ready for quoting and securing a building permit. What inspired you to pursue a career in construction? I grew up around the building industry. My mum was
a builder in the early 1990s and my dad is a roof carpenter. During my gap year I started to think about my future. That’s when I decided I wanted to pursue a career as a builder. So, I applied to study a Diploma of Building and Construction (Builders Registration) at TAFE. Tell us about your career journey prior to creating Merge Building Once I completed my Diploma at TAFE, I decided to do an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery with my family’s business. I knew I needed seven years practical experience in the trade to be eligible to apply for my building practitioner licences. I completed my apprenticeship in early 2014 and continued working with the family business as a qualified roof carpenter. Although there were some tough moments completing my trade, I love the skills and knowledge I have learnt and I love putting my skills to use in everyday life. What made you decide to start your own business? It was always my goal to be a builder. Once I was eligible to apply for my registration, I took the steps to start my own company. After working with my family’s business for seven years, I wanted to create
1. CSQ 2021, Women in Construction - A Rising Trend 2021, CSQ, <https://www.csq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Women-inConstruction-2021.pdf>
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