'I'm a 22-year-old female carpenter. Here are the questions I'm asked on repeat, answered.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Construction Training Fund

For Rabia Choolun, becoming a carpenter wasn't just about picking up tools. It was a chance to pursue a hands-on career that combined creativity, financial independence and the flexibility to balance work and life — the ultimate trifecta.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Rabia is paving the way for others, proving that construction is an exciting and accessible career choice for women, young people and people from all backgrounds.

Her journey, like many others, is supported by Construction Training Fund (CTF), who fund training and support to apprentices, workers and employers in the WA construction industry through grants and subsidies.

CTF is helping to break down barriers and make it easier for women to pursue careers that were once considered out of reach.

"It has been a huge help," said Rabia. "CTF offers a tool allowance to apprentices, which is a big boost when you're starting out. Plus, offers a support payment to apprentices, making it much easier to get going in your trade."

Thanks to changing attitudes within the industry, construction is becoming an increasingly viable career option. "It's such a great career path, especially for teenagers who aren't sure what they want to do," Rabia explained.

"It's hands-on, rewarding and offers endless opportunities."

To understand why construction offers so much potential for women and young people, we asked Rabia to answer some of the most common questions about her career as a carpenter.

Image: Supplied.

"Do you like what you do?"

It's a question Rabia gets asked all the time, and her answer is always the same: yes, she loves it.

"I love being a carpenter because every day is different," Rabia said. "There's always something new to work on, and I get to see the results of my hard work. Whether it's renovating a house or building something from scratch, it's really satisfying."

"I love using power tools to renovate houses, build new spaces and even fix up furniture. One project I'm particularly proud of was a laundry renovation I did. From demolishing the old space to installing new cupboards and hanging the doors, it was such a great feeling to see the finished product and think, 'I did that.'"

"Why did you pursue a trade?"

For Rabia, the motivation to pursue a trade came from a personal place. Growing up, she was inspired by her stepdad, a handyman who worked on renovations in his spare time.

"He always told me that a trade would be a great career choice, especially if I loved it," Rabia recalled.

"I was always keen to help him with renovations, and I really enjoyed the hands-on work. That's when I knew this was the career I wanted."

She also highlights the practical benefits of choosing a trade. "Construction offers so many different career paths. It's not all heavy lifting; you can specialise in everything from building homes to renovations, to design and project management. It's a versatile industry."

"Does a work-life balance in construction exist?"

Rabia works hard, but she also values her downtime. And we all know that a good work-life balance is essential to maintaining physical and mental well-being.

So what's the key?

"Not overbooking yourself. I have the flexibility to plan my work wisely and allow enough time for breaks between jobs. That way, I'm not overworked and I can recharge and spend time doing things I enjoy outside of work," Rabia said.

The freedom to manage your own schedule is a perk that many office workers might envy. Whether it's having weekends off or being able to schedule hours around school pickups or personal appointments, tradies can enjoy a career that supports life outside of work.

"How much money can you really earn?"

Carpentry, like other trades, offers strong earning potential. But it's not just about the money — it's about the stability and independence it provides too.

"The financial side of being a carpenter is a nice bonus," Rabia said. "I can pay my bills comfortably and save for bigger goals like a new car or a home loan. And with experience, the earning potential grows. You can also start your own business, which is something a lot of people in the industry do."

Another perk? There's no student debt, you get paid while you learn and you start earning instantly.

"Is the physical side of the job tough? What about being one of the few women on-site?"

"I get asked this a lot — whether I struggle with heavy lifting," she said. "The truth is, I've never been discouraged by it. The key is to start small, lift what you can and gradually build your strength.

And as for being the only woman on-site? "It's never been an issue. In fact, I think it's a great opportunity to prove that women can do anything men can do."

Rabia is keen to change people's perceptions of what a carpenter looks like. "The more women we have, the more we can encourage others to follow suit," she said.

"Is a trade suitable for my teen?"

For parents of teenagers who might be unsure about their career path, Rabia had some advice: don't rule out the trades.

The construction industry is a great option for people who enjoy practical, hands-on work and want to start earning quickly.

"From project management to specialised trades, there's a wide range of roles, many of which pay extremely well," said Rabia.

"The industry is rewarding and it challenges you to do things you never thought you would," she added.

As more women like Rabia make their mark in construction, the industry is becoming more diverse than ever. With work-life balance, creative satisfaction and financial independence on offer, construction is full of promise.

Check out Construction Training Fund to kickstart your career in construction.

Feature Image: Supplied.

CTF is funding training and building skills to create a more sustainable construction workforce in WA. To find out what funding and support is available to you head to ctf.wa.gov.au