TO mark International Woman’s Day, City Building’s trainee plumbing instructor Jordan McKellar (28) has been reflecting on her journey within the construction industry and highlighting what it is like for a woman in a traditionally male dominated field.
Jordan has been at City Building for the last 11 years, having started her career as a plumbing apprentice, In her current role, she supports and teaches other plumbing apprentices through their apprenticeships.
Reflecting on her entry to the construction industry, Jordan said, “I was the only girl in my cohort of plumbing apprentices. We’ve come a long way since then, and its more common to see girls and women in the trades. It was definitely not something that was presented to me in school as an option – people were surprised to find out that’s what I wanted to do.”
Jordan believes there needs to be better engagement with young people, especially girls, about careers in the industry. She added, “A lot of young girls are worried they will be the only girl in their course or face challenges from other apprentices. In reality, that’s not what happens. Even if girls are still the minority, there is a strong support system at City Building.”
The last decade has seen radical change for young women entering the construction trades. Reports have found that the number of female trade apprentices increased by 366% between the years of 2011 and 2021.
Jordan said, “People would constantly be shocked I was a woman. While I always had positive experiences, there was always a comment like ‘this is unusual.’ I believe in the coming years that view will be phased out and people will be expecting a female plumber or electrician to show up just like a man.”
City Building prides itself on being an employer that offers constant opportunities for learning and development. On top of completing her apprenticeship with the firm, Jordan also completed a HNC in construction management before taking up her current role.
“There are so many positive role models for young girls at City Building – even Lynsey Chalmers, our training college manager, started as an apprentice,” Jordan explained. “She’s passionate about women being supported to progress. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to pursue a career in teaching by myself, but Lynsey and my manager made sure I had the support I needed.
“The highlight of my day now is getting to help shape the next generation of plumbers. It’s so heartening to see the diversity amongst the young people that wasn’t there a decade ago. Learning a trade gives young people the opportunity to enter into a career where they can thrive – and I am so proud that more young women are taking this route.”
