Carpenter/Joiner: Radmila Desic
Radmila Desic. Radmila is a qualified carpenter and joiner who broadened her professional career and personal growth by focusing her passion to engage and empower women in construction into her appointed job roles. Radmila has dedicated much of her personal time to volunteer for the National Association of Women in Construction and has successfully executed many official roles such as National Director and National Vice President.
Her determination has earned Radmila much recognition and respect from the building and construction industry, while her lobbying and advocacy has ensured both state and federal government support and funding for the projects she champions. A strong knowledge of all industry training packages, apprenticeship and traineeship structures and government incentives gives Radmila the skills to encourage diversity in the workplace.
What made you first want to enter a career in construction?
When I finished school, I was experiencing some personal challenges that lead me to seek employment rather than continue to study. When asked what I wanted to do I knew what I didn’t want, and that was to work indoors. So I was encouraged to do an entry-level training course, which, if you passed saw you offered an apprenticeship.
What first drew you to carpentry?
While I was doing the course, I actually really enjoyed bricklaying, but even as progressive as this organisation was by giving a female an opportunity, they encouraged me to choose another trade. I loved the physicality of carpentry and absolutely loved firing off a nail gun so that seemed like the best fit.
What sort of advantages does a career in construction offer?
There are many advantages, in particular how diverse your career options are post trade, you can do anything from running a business to project managing to becoming a trainer and much, much, more. There is also the bonus of being able to travel internationally and using your trade skills to access local employment opportunities. One of the main skills I learned is problem solving which is a transferable skill I have relied on throughout my career.
What’s been your biggest career hurdle you’ve overcome?
The biggest hurdle has been that whilst establishing my family, the building and construction industry was not flexible enough at the time to adapt for a primary care giver. This meant that I had to change roles and even out of the industry. This impacted the rate my career was progressing.
You are part of several member organisations such as NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), what benefits do they offer girls just starting out in a trade?
These organisations are full of incredible people with diverse experience and backgrounds who are willing to uplift and support you to achieve success. Whilst volunteering I had opportunities to be involved in roles that I may not have had exposure to in my working roles and this helped me to build up other skills that were transferable. These organisations often also provide exposure to a broad range of stakeholders and networking opportunities. But for me, it allows me to advocate and introduce strategies to support more women to access trades which I am extremely passionate about.
What kind of people (or what skills and traits) are suited to a trade role?
If you are someone who loves to work with your hands, you don’t mind being exposed to varying weather and working conditions, if maybe you like a bit more physical work and you love to be challenged, then a trade is a great option.
What’s been your proudest moment of your career?
I have been fortunate to have had a few, including seeing improvements to the number of women taking up non-traditional apprenticeships. Also seeing resources I initiated, developed and utilised be used to support a cultural change in the industry. However the proudest moment was being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2021 Honours List, for significant service to women in the construction industry, and to unemployed youth.
What were you like as a tween/teen?
I was rebellious, inquisitive, and defiant. I loved playing sport and rugby league was my absolute favourite. I enjoyed rock climbing and am embarrassed to admit I was completely hooked on historical romance books.
Can you give us your best three pieces of advice for girls thinking about starting a trade?
Be authentic and yourself on site, don’t emulate the guys! there is already enough men in the industry.
Give your self-permission and time to condition to the role, you will not be able to do all the heavy work straight away but that is ok, the young guys starting out have the same issues.
There are a lot of women and girls in trades these days, reach out to them as they have lived experience and can provide advice and support when you need it - and we all need it from time to time!
Franc’s Fast Five
First thing you do each day? I walk 8km’s every morning that I can.
Favourite holiday destination? Montenegro
Most used tool? Cordless Drill
Thoughts on Ikea flatpack? Too easy!
Would you ever want to go on ‘The Block’? No, I don’t think so!