Nillumbik Shire Council is breaking down gender stereotypes with the hiring of its most recent apprentice carpenter, Laura Troietto.
Troietto admits that being a female in a male-dominated trade is still something some struggle to cope with but she's loving the challenge.
Troietto, who is in her first year of a four-year apprenticeship, initially landed a job in a customer service role at Nillumbik, as she believed that office work was her best option.
"I did a one-year traineeship in business administration," Troietto says. "I don't know how I survived in an office because I'm a hands-on person. I realised it isn't for me."
When Troietto, 25, learned the council was looking for apprentice carpenters, it was a chance for her to finally break away from office work and pursue something she felt passionate about, although it wasn't necessarily easy.
"For years I didn't know what to do but I wanted to branch out, I wanted a change. This was the perfect timing and the perfect opportunity," she says. "However, I didn't think I would get the job. I was nervous to be interviewed in front of three people. It was difficult, especially being a girl, it's hard to get in there." Troietto also admits she is generally the only female in a male-dominated area, and has been treated differently because of her gender.
"I found from a couple of courses I had to do as part of my apprenticeship I was the only girl in the class. Some of the older generations were wondering why a girl was there doing it. Just some of the vibes you get - I've had a couple of negative people," she says.
However, Troietto hasn't let those attitudes interfere with her work or stop her from being confident and proud of what she is doing. Mostly, she says, her response to people has even helped to change their attitudes.
"It's such a physical role but I'm a strong girl. Some people find that daunting but it doesn't bother me. I tell them I enjoy it and they give me respect. I'm honest and I'm myself. This is my calling, this is what I enjoy. It's the best change I've ever made." As a council apprentice carpenter, Troietto is partly responsible for maintenance throughout the shire and all council buildings such as the local preschool, and says that every day is different from building decks to repairing doors and windows.
Troietto also attributes her love of the role to the encouraging attitudes of council staff but admits that her self-belief and determination are at the core of her success in the role so far.
"I've got a very supportive team which is such a positive. My manager is very good at communicating and teaching. But you should really follow your heart. There's nothing to be scared of. If you wanna do it, just do it and definitely don't hold back because you're a girl."
