Jade's entry into joinery began when she quit her sales job to help fulfil her partner's dream of being self-employed in the carpentry industry. She points out the lack of incentive to encourage females to enter the trade. 

"Schools, colleges and businesses are not promoting women in the trade. They aren't doing anything to entice the trades to us, women," she says. 

"If I weren't in this position with my partner, I certainly wouldn't be sitting here doing carpentry. It would have never crossed my mind." 

Lisa, who works with John Argyle, was studying hairdressing and barbering in college when she began her apprenticeship. "I love being outdoors and the smell of freshly cut timber."

"I also love seeing customers happy with their finished products," she adds, explaining why she joined the trade. 

When she went back to college to study carpentry and joinery, she was the only female student in the class. 

Former plumber Emily aka, Chippy Em Building & Carpentry, made the switch to carpentry in 2008 and has since worked to her bone to succeed in the trade. 

When asked how she copes in a male-dominated industry, Emily reveals that she "enjoys being around blokes". "I'm indoctrinated into this trade, I love what I do, and to spend time with people who've been in the industry for a long time and have the experience that I don't have is [exhilarating]." 

She also discusses setting up an all-female construction company to encourage more women into the trade. 

Listen to the full podcast here.