An Orange roof plumber is encouraging other women to join the profession and study at TAFE NSW as the construction boom keeps the industry busy.

Ebony Vanderboon is studying at Certificate III in Roof Plumbing and works with her family business, Aspire Roofing. New research reveals women comprise only two per cent of workers in construction, and Ebony said the opportunities are better than ever as demand for builders in the Central Tablelands shows no signs of slowing.

“Roof plumbers are vital to the construction industry as every building needs a roof,” said Ebony. “We work on roof drainage systems and have a lot of work in replacements and repairs as people are buying and renovating.”

“TAFE NSW is giving me the opportunity to learn on state-of-the-art equipment, so I’m getting the best training matched with the practical experience I need to get the job done well.”

TAFE NSW provides women with pathways into a range of construction trades and already boasts a comparatively higher number of female enrolments in construction courses, at 9 per cent.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Plumbing, Michael Burn, said there’s never been a better time to consider a career in the building and construction industry, with the Certificate III in Roof Plumbing a nationally accredited course and fully subsidised under JobTrainer.

“We always encourage and support women in trades at TAFE NSW and Ebony is a great example of the high standard of apprentice we’re training,” said Mr Burn.

“Increasing the number of women employed in the industry helps us respond to skills needs, especially in regional areas.”

Ebony said being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry has not presented the challenges many might expect.

“I know you do hear that it can be tough as a woman in construction, but I’ve only dealt with respectful people,” said Ebony. “There’s so much opportunity and security in the industry, so I’d encourage anyone with an interest in building to consider roof plumbing as a career.”

To find out more about the range of building and construction courses at TAFE NSW visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Amy Johnson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, amy.johnson87@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 0354.