Crafting confidence: Abby’s journey into the world of carpentry

Published: 04 Mar 2026

Abby CIT Carpentry student using a wood saw

Studying woodwork in Year 8 was the moment Abby fell in love with working with her hands and watching something real take shape in front of her. Drawn to the practical nature of the subject, she knew she wanted a career built around hands-on work.

Determined to find the right trade to pursue, Abby explored different apprenticeships and trades to understand what she enjoyed the most. Through this journey she discovered carpentry was the perfect fit and committed to pursuing it as her career path.

Finding her place in the trade

As Abby progressed in carpentry, she gained experience in both residential and commercial carpentry. For Abby she found differences between the two and realised that residential carpentry had more variety and technical detail which she found deeply rewarding. Carpentry demanded a level of precision and fine motor skill she hadn’t expected.

“Even something like fitting a door handle takes more technique than people realise,” she says. “There’s a lot of skill in the details.”

The attention to detail needed in carpentry became something she embraced, learning to read and interpret plans, write material lists and order materials. These skills have allowed her to step onto work sites with confidence and contribute meaningfully to a build. For Abby, there’s pride and accomplishment in knowing she helps turn someone’s dream home into something real.

Abby credits much of her growth to the supportive environment around her.

“My CIT teachers have been a constant source of support,” she says. “I can always go straight to them, and they are all very open minded approachable and committed to helping me navigate any challenges,”

The impact of women empowering other women

For Abby, International Women’s Day is more than a date in the calendar.

“It’s a reminder of the importance of representation, especially in male-dominated trades where women are such a minority,” she says.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, 'Balance the Scales’, resonates strongly with Abby. For her, balancing the scales in trades such as carpentry means helping create a more equal footing for women entering the field. This starts with providing support, advice and encouragement to those considering hands-on career paths, letting women know that it isn’t as scary as it may seem and support is available to help you succeed. “Most people in the industry are very supportive, and you will find ways to make things work for you,” she says.

One of her biggest inspirations is from social media influencer Sienna Malone, a fly-in -fly-Out (FIFO) worker who openly shares her journey in a male-dominated industry.

“She’s so encouraging of women getting into trades, stepping out there and giving it a go,” Abby says. “To me its inspiring seeing other women showcasing their journey and encouraging more women that they can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Seeing women thrive in these spaces reinforces Abby’s belief that empowerment grows when women lift each other up.

Growing through challenges and advice for other women

The challenges Abby has faced along her journey haven’t discouraged her they’ve helped shape her. She’s learned the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and the value of speaking up, being honest about what she needs and trusting the people around her want to help.

“Being open with my boss and others has always helped. The people you work with want to back you and help you work through challenges; you just have to be open and talk about what’s going on,” she says.

Abby’s advice to young women considering entering a trade is to try it.

“The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it, and you find that a career in a trade isn’t for you,” she says. “But you might find that you really enjoy it and unlock a new career passion you previously dismissed.”

Learn more about studying carpentry at CIT