Spoke Joinery, a division of Quadric, is quietly changing the landscape by creating a workplace that is welcoming for all genders.

One of the biggest obstacles to obtaining gender equality in the construction trade is the lack of workplaces that actively recruit women into apprenticeships. But in joinery, where quality standards are paramount, things are starting to change.

Currently more than 25% of the permanent trade staff at Spoke Joinery are female compared to the 3% representation of tradespeople Australia wide*.  The benefits couldn’t be clearer. Our attention to detail is higher and we have a more productive and dedicated workforce.

Not only are we growing and filling those positions that we couldn’t before, but we have found that all genders thrive in a equitable environment and our projects benefit from it.

*Sydney Morning Herald April 1st 2022.

IN THE MEDIA : Ipswich News Today  27/3/22

Future cabinet maker on her way to success

By Rowan Anderson

Not many people can say they enjoy putting flatpacks together but Australian Industry Trade College student Hannah Rattey has been doing that since she was five-years-old.

It was inevitable that her talent brought her to the doors of the AITC to pursue a pathway in industry.

Like all AITC students, Hannah found work experience and tried various industries while working hard to complete her Year 12 Queensland Certificate of Education.

“When I was at my old school I hadn’t done any work experience,” says Hannah.

“The extent of building anything was a 50-minute lesson about three or four times a week. It was fun but it wasn’t going to get me anywhere.”

The AITC encourages all students to find their career with a series of work experience placements during industry blocks.

“Being at the AITC has really helped me to have that extra push to start my career.”

That extra push led her to work experience with Spoke Joinery (Quadric) at the beginning of this year.

After only a few weeks, manager Lee Wood could see she was a great fit for the team and he was keen to sign her up as a school-based apprentice in cabinet making.

Hannah will be Spoke Joinery’s fifth school-based apprentice from the AITC with three young people still working with the team.

“It feels amazing to be signed up. All that hard work and exploring what I want to do has finally paid off. Now I can settle into one place and learn more every day.”

Ipswich AITC campus manager Yvette Pratt said Hannah was a great example of what could be achieved at the College.

“Hannah demonstrates the school’s values and outcome to the highest level. It is one of the reasons she was chosen to become one of the school’s leaders.

“Her commitment to her trade and leading women forward in industry helps #breakthebias every day. We are grateful to have such a hardworking, dedicated young woman to represent the AITC and we are proud of all that she has accomplished.

“Our promise is to connect young people with opportunities in industry, and industry with great young people, and Hannah is a true testament of that promise.”