From Night Classes to National Acclaim – Championing Women in Carpentry
-
Courtney Willan and Rob Hockey
20 July 2024
Courtney Willan has been a trailblazer since embarking on her first carpentry course in 2020, starting with a woodworking night class at a local high school. She then advanced to a Level 3 pre-trade carpentry course at Unitec and is currently pursuing a Level 4 certificate in carpentry through an apprenticeship with Edgecity Builders.
Over the past four years, Courtney has honed her skills remarkably. Her dedication and expertise were highlighted when she clinched first place in the 2024 NZ Certified Builders Northwest Auckland Apprenticeship Challenge and secured third place at the prestigious National Challenge held in June.
Since starting at Unitec, Courtney has been a staunch advocate for women entering trades. Participating in these competitions is yet another way for her to inspire and empower others, she says.
“I was keen to enter just to show that there are different kinds of women in this space. There is often an assumption that you have to have a building background or come from a rural background, but I had absolutely had no experience with the tools before I started. I want to show you can be anyone in this space.”
The response to her win in the regional competition was overwhelmingly supportive, she says. “The competition definitely attracts people who want the best for the industry.”
Reflecting on the National Final in Wellington, Courtney found the experience both challenging and rewarding. “It was a ridiculous three days – full on – you didn’t stop, but it was incredible, and such a high calibre group, It was really anyone’s game and hard to pick a winner.
Everyone jelled nicely as a group and it was wonderful to meet a bunch of people in the same position as me, so I hope I walked away with some new friends and connections.”
Daniel Smith from MIT was the eventual winner, and he and Courtney teamed up win the Great Apprentice Race, building a dog kennel which was donated to the SPCA. Courtney also counts it as a success toward changing perceptions of women of working in trades.
“Women outside the industry have a view that it’s a culture that’s not that inviting and welcoming, so it’s great for them to see me thriving and growing in that space. “I was really happy with third place, just to be there was an incredible feat, I’m grateful for everyone who has given me so much support and it has helped me grow as a carpenter.”
Courtney is not sure what’s next in the competition space, as her focus for now is finishing her apprenticeship. “I still have a year left, so I’m knuckling down to finish that, and I’m looking forward to becoming qualified and training my own apprentices. I enjoy passing on knowledge and being a mentor – I think that would be a great pathway forward.”
