Budgets to work boots
31 May, 2022 3 min read
Accounting to construction is not a common career crossover, but Rachel Ramsay has broken the mould. She was an accountant before making the switch to Hutchinson Builders where she is now a Workplace Engagement Manager.
Now you’ll find Rachel on Hutchies worksites consulting with the workers about anything from safety issues and improvements on site to being an open ear for those struggling with mental health.
“Some people don’t feel like they can talk about their mental health, which isn’t a reflection on them, but more so because they don’t always feel like they can, so I like being the person that can take them for chat and make them feel comfortable,” she says.
Rachel had exposure early on to the construction industry with her father in a safety and construction role. She has always had an underlying passion for the industry and when she realised, she wasn’t satisfied sitting in an office crunching numbers all day, she approached Hutchies for a role.
“I thought because I was female it would be hard to break into the construction industry, however upon talking to people and then Hutchies, I realised that there is very much an open category for women to get involved and we can get into any trade within the industry,” Rachel said.
Rachel did her training on the job, completing a HSR Course and Certificate IV in WHS through Hutchies Training and has plans to complete a Diploma in Safety to continue bolstering her skillset.
A big part of Rachel’s role is interacting with the workers on sites and getting feedback on safety matters and identifying how things can be improved to then collaborate and feedback to site teams and management.
“I am a firm believer that people should always come home the same way they came to work that day, and so it was my passion behind this that led me to my role now. Everyone deserves a fair go and safe practices at work,” Rachel said.
When it comes to her recommendations for other females wanting to break into the industry, Rachel has the following advice:
“Apply yourself. If you want to get into the industry, approach someone, approach a trade. You can do your training on the job and don’t be afraid to start as an apprentice or trainee.
“There’s so much to learn in this industry and the best thing you can do is put yourself forward and take a chance.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, or how old you are, or where you are in life – let’s get it done!”