Sophie Jack

Being a female builder over the past few years has definitely had its challenges! Now add being a pregnant builder to this list and you've got yourself a whole new set of challenges to navigate. This has been my exciting yet daunting reality over the past nine months.

My day-to-day role requires me to be onsite, on the tools and is very physically demanding, day in and day out. In a male dominated industry, I have had to overcome various obstacles to enable me to exceed and advance my career as a builder. Last year I achieved my goal of becoming a qualified builder.

Once I knew I was pregnant and expecting my first child, it became very apparent my building career needed to adapt with me through ALL stages of my pregnancy. I am thankful for Russell and Jenny at Licensed Renovations who were able to provide me with a role that did just that...develop and adapt with me. I have been able to use my experience and knowledge gained over the years and pour this into a senior part time role off the tools which I have really enjoyed. It has been a combination of good communication, organisation and job design on Russell and Jenny's part which has enabled this.

They knew my skill set, work ethic and motivation to do a good job and matched this with specific needs and wants within their business. The biggest tip from my side and to all employers tapping into this innovative job design is to voice what you can and can’t do (be specific) and really promote the skills you believe will have the best impact on making the business thrive.

I have loved working alongside Russell and Jenny and the whole Licensed Renovations team and I am looking forward to re-entering the workforce once returning from maternity leave hitting the ground running!