Tradie Profile

How this plumber blends yoga and tradie life

Hailing from Western Australia, Emma Fensom is a fourth-year apprentice plumber, working with ACE+ and for ADCO Constructions as a trainee Site Supervisor.

A lover of yoga and bushwalking, Emma had never contemplated a career in trade until she found herself struggling to find work as a scientist after her university studies.

“I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of figuring out what else I might enjoy, but I knew that I wanted practical work that made a tangible difference,”
Emma said.

Emma discovered her hidden talent  for hands-on work while renovating her house.

“My husband asked me if I had ever thought of doing a trade as I seemed to have a real knack for renovating,” Emma said.

“My honest answer was no, but the idea appealed to me and seemed to tick all my boxes,” Emma said.

“My Dad, who is a plumber, was my biggest influence in choosing a trade. I approached him with idea of becoming a tradesperson, and he was more than happy to help me get started!”
Emma said.

Being a female tradie

With a resilient mindset, Emma is a great role model for mature-aged females who are looking to get into the industry.

“I found it hard to start from scratch.

“Particularly when I was not as strong as my colleagues, occasionally causing me to feel inadequate,” Emma said.

“It can also be isolating when you are the only female on site. You feel like the odd one out and that you must prove your worth. Despite this, I have remained confident and always felt like I belong on a construction site. “

Emma highlighted how being part of NAWIC, a community of industry women, has allowed her to share her experiences and connect with other females in construction.

Mentors

Emma cited her first state manager and accomplished female plumber, Eilish and her, current site manager, Simon, as her greatest mentors and role models so far.

“It was a great reassurance knowing that I had Eilish’s support in the early stages of my career,” Emma said.

“Simon always takes the time to guide me through my role and has helped me map out my future career path to ensure I receive the experience I need to become a site manager.”

“He genuinely cares about each member of our team, and I have learnt a lot from him about what it takes to be an effective leader.”

A passion for the outdoors

As well as enjoying her trade, Emma has a passion for yoga, powerlifting, bushwalking and bike riding.

“I have been practising yoga since I was 17 years old. In 2014, I began practicing hot yoga and am now an instructor at a studio,” Emma said.

“My husband and I love to go for bushwalks in the hills and bike rides around the river on the weekends,” Emma said.

Future plans

Emma plans to finish her apprenticeship and continue to work for ADCO.

“My aim is to work on a variety of interesting projects with increasing responsibility, and my eventual goal is to progress to the role of Site Manager,” Emma said.

Aside from future career plans, Emma and her husband aim to travel as much as they can, with a possible relocation on the cards.

“My husband and I have plans to move to Melbourne to be closer to family,” Emma said.

“We also have big plans to travel and see as much of the world as possible!”

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