A third-generation concrete truck driver adept at handling a 10-wheeler Kenworth rig has been named ACT’s Tradeswoman of the Year 2024.
Peyton Michie was recognised for her achievements by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in November.
When she finished school, the 22 year-old didn’t want to work at a desk, preferring to be outside, as she grew up on a farm. So, with a dad who owns a truck business and a mum who does the books, it was a natural step to ask them if she could drive.
Ms Michie’s aim was to drive trucks for a year while deciding on her future direction, but Ms Michie enjoyed the work so much she chose to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. Elvin Group in Canberra soon hired her and she has now been driving concrete trucks for three and a half years.
ACT’s Tradeswoman of the Year is one of a growing number of women entering the construction industry, according to a NSW Government survey published earlier in November.
The results of the survey revealed that the number of women joining the industry had risen 12.5% in the past year and of 1000 businesses surveyed, women make up 20% of the construction workforce.
The state government conceded there are still challenges for women including gender discrimination and sexual harassment, and a lack of work-life balance fand flexible working hours for women and men along with insufficient mentoring and leadership training.
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said the future of trades lies in embracing diversity and capabilities of all workers.
“We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive,” Ms Harrison said.
It’s important that we’re creating a safe, inclusive, and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.”
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.