Women in Trades Network Ireland

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Past, Present, Future

Polly Donnellan, first woman in Ireland to succeed in the pipe welding exam test.

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WITNI

Supports women in trades careers.

Impacts Irish industry.

Believes in a rewarding work environment for all,
regardless of gender.

CAREER STORY

Jenny Thompson

Painter & Decorator

"All the women who have gone through their apprenticeship with our company have gone on to work for themselves and have set up their own successful businesses, which is fantastic."

CAREER STORY

“I am now licensed to drive excavators, wheeled loaders, dump trucks, dozers and scrapers. Basically all machines except backhoe loaders. I despise them! I also have been taught how to read maps and maintain do simple repairs on the vehicles.”

CAREER STORY

Sarah Murphy

Quality Engineer

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something in the line of engineering. I started a city & guilds course in mechanical engineering which led on to getting a degree in manufacturing engineering. During the summers and weekends, I worked as a welder.”

CAREER STORY

Stina Sandstrom

Bricklayer & Graphic Designer

“We shoot time lapses of the site from the same spot up on a hill every day. The builder and the architect work together solving problems and come up with new solutions bit by bit. In these moments the site is full of good vibes!”

CAREER STORY

Joelle Smyth

Apprentice Electrician

“I knew that going down this route meant that I was going to be faced with some challenges that might be potentially difficult to overcome. Namely, the major change of working outside on a site versus being in a classroom.”

CAREER STORY

Sara Murphy

Carpenter & Maker

“There’s something primal in the satisfaction of making. It connects to that part of us that yearns to be self-sufficient and also to the creative within us. Looking at a finished object that you’ve created is amazing.”

CAREER STORY

Kate Meleady

Aircraft Engineer

“I am proud of the purpose in what I do for a living. It is important work and it’s important to do it right – all the time. I also really like working in an environment where it doesn’t matter at all what you look like or what kind of ‘odd’ you are, because it’s what you actually do that matters”

CAREER STORY

Polly Donnellan

Coded Welder

“In 1981 I passed the Asme9, X-Ray standard pipe welding exam and became the first woman in Ireland to succeed in the test”

CAREER STORY

Lisa Foley

Electrician

“A great advantage of having a trade like electrics/ plumbing etc., is that generally that you can use your skills in other countries. I did a stint in the Caribbean for a while working on big yachts and their electrical systems. What’s not to like about that!”

CAREER STORY

Nuala Ward

Self-Taught Tradeswoman

“Experiment with tools and you will find the tools that work for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and embrace mistakes because that’s where knowledge is gained!”

CAREER STORY

Gemma Linehan

Apprentice Mechanic

“I found that I really enjoyed working with my hands rather than sitting in an office or a classroom for the day because I am the sort of girl that likes to keep on my feet and move around. “

apprentices

Now is an excellent time to be looking for work. Ireland is currently experiencing a skills shortage and there are plenty of options for you.

tradeswomen

From day one, WITNI set out to galvanize a network of tradeswomen for meet-ups, skill-sharing, support, and cross-industry advice. See what women are saying about their experiences.

employers

WITNI has been working with employers to increase female engagement and diversify the workforce. How can we help you?

educators

Interested in speaking with WITNI about outreach and engagement?

CAREER OPORTUNITIES

Are you hiring?

Contact WITNI to promote your vacancy here →

EVENTS

Summer Date TBC

WITNI peer-networking events are held several times a year at various locations across Ireland. We welcome past, present and future tradeswomen. For information on this and other upcoming events, join our mailing list at the bottom of the page.

31.03 2019

@ 15:00 / Cork City Centre

Cork Go Karting, meal and drinks.

A fantastic day out for all the petrol heads and speed-freak tradeswomen at the National Karting Centre in Cork. Then come together for drinks at award-winning Cocktail bar Cask, followed by a delicious meal at Amicus Restaurant in Cork centre.

Totally Dublin: June 2019 ‘Work It’

"Ripping up the rulebook of male-dominated trades, Totally Dublin meets five women ‘tradies’ who wear it, work it and own ...

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Sunday Business Post: Women Apprentices are Starting To Get Hands On

'The number of women in apprenticeships in Ireland is rising, but we are still lagging behind Europe. Efforts are now being made ...

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"While the recession was on us there simply weren't the jobs there to promote. But now things are picking up, the opportunities are there, for all genders, for all ages.”

Margaret Reilly Cabinet maker & Director, Grand Designs, Kitchens & Bedrooms Drogheda

"It's so interesting this job. You're constantly learning. It's not as hard as people might think. Don't let the idea of a male-dominated industry put you off. Just go for it."

Sally Liddell Right Connection Electrical, Melbourne, Australia

“Have a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Know what you’re talking about, but don’t take yourself too seriously. You can overcome any obstacle.”

Martha George Stone and Brick Mason and President of the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA), Ontario, Canada

JOBS

Apprentice Painter & Decorator

Kelly & Thompson Ltd Painter Decorators

Jenny Thompson of Kelly & Thompson Ltd Painter Decorators is currently seeking an apprentice painter and decorator.

Access to Apprenticeship

TU Dublin

Access to Apprenticeship is a 12 week programme being delivered by TU Dublin's College of Engineering and Built Environment.

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