Jemima - Chippy
Hey, my name is Jemima or also known as Jimmy. I am 23 years old. and located on the Northern Beaches, Sydney. This is where I started my 1st-year apprenticeship in Carpentry 9 months ago, with Nest Renovations.
I’ve now currently been in Sydney for just under 2 years as I’m originally from the Gold Coast. I grew up in a town called Mudgeeraba in Gold Coast, QLD. Where I went to primary school. I studied at Palm Beach Currumbin High School where at the time I was never interested in trade. I was and still am very into sports, soccer in particular. PBC is an excellence school for sport, so I did every subject possible that I could that involved sport. As I was so into my fitness I was studying a Cert IV in Fitness. Thinking I would pursue my own little business of personal training after I graduated. This clearly didn’t happen hahaha. My other career option at the time was primary school teaching, but I wanted a gap year before I thought about uni. I worked in a cafe/bakery and fruit shop for 4 years after school. This turned into a long gap year. In those 4 years I also did a 6 week trip to Europe travelling to 18 countries in 37 days. After Europe I moved to Sydney and I got another retail job at rebel sport. I was there for a year and loved that too. But after this year my time had come for retail where I finally realised I wanted a change.
During the mix of all of this the real question was “What inspired me you ask?” Well I was fortunate enough to buy a house with my sister on the Gold Coast. I knew career wise, that I could not work in and office for the rest of my life. So now having a house I thought why not get into trade so I can fix it up myself. Carpentry always came to mind for me amongst the rest of the other trades. As I thought who wouldn’t love to build!! The next big question is how do I get started.
Well I asked some of my friends and family how to find an apprenticeship. At first I was looking on seek I couldn’t find anything for a couple of months. But with many suggestions from others the way I got in touch with my boss was through a local Facebook page. I joined it and did a little write up about myself and if any companies were looking for an apprentice. Within 24hours I had so many comments and suggestions on my post. I received a lot of messages and emails with people willing to chat and take me on board. My boss Adrian who I work for now, messaged me saying I saw your post I’d love to give you a call. I then called him and we met within the next 2 days and he offered me a job. It’s just amazing how great social media is to get you in touch with people.
So at the start of February 2021 I put in my leave at rebel sport, ready to take on a new challenge. I started my apprenticeship and 3 days in I was at tafe. I was lucky enough to squeeze into a spot as the year was just beginning.
Was carpentry what I was expecting? Not at all. But do I love it, yes! I’m here now 9 months into my carpentry apprenticeship working for Nest Renovations and loving it. There are definitely some tough days but it’s all part of the learning experience.
Working in a male dominated industry can be challenging. I do get asked all the time by others how I find it. I am a tomboy myself so I’ve always found it easy to get along with guys and be one of the boys. I’m lucky enough to work in such a great environment with a team of small guys who are all great to be around. It makes work enjoyable and creates a space to learn but have a laugh as well.
Summing up everything it just goes to show. Look I only just started my career at 23 as I had no clue what I really wanted to do. But if you find something and your passionate about it just jump in there and give it a go! I’m happy with the work I’m doing and the things I’m learning daily. Everything is thrown at you like a curveball but it’s all part of the experience. I hope I have and will inspire other girls to get into trade as it’s such a great industry to be in. You just need to go in with confidence and give it a red hot crack. If anyone ever has any questions, I’d love to help answer them to anyone who’s nervous about starting or just wanting general knowledge. I do love a good chat. Thanks for all listening to my story and I hope you can make your dreams come true! Follow my journey, @chippy_jim
