Glenfield resident Scheriya Cuello completed an early childhood education and care traineeship through TAFE NSW after leaving school, but always harboured ambitions to do a blue collar trade.
“My dad and grandad were both in construction and I’ve always enjoyed home DIY projects,” said Ms Cuello, pictured above.
“There was always a sense that females don’t belong in the trades but that’s been changing in recent years, so I decided to make a change.”
Ms Cuello, who is 26 years old, enrolled in a Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing at TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields, attending one day a week while working as a sheet membrane water proofer.
Now a sales rep for water proofing, flooring and concreting repair company Bayset, Ms Cuello hopes to use the skills learned at TAFE NSW and on the job to eventually open her own water proofing business.
“There’s so much opportunity in the water proofing industry and TAFE NSW really opened my eyes to it,” she said.
“As building compliance codes get stricter, the industry will continue to grow and that’s great for anyone wanting to enter the industry.”
Anyone performing residential water proofing work valued over $5000 in labour and materials must hold a relevant trade licence, making it a regulated trade occupation in the state.
TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields water proofing teacher Rob Rose said water proofing was playing an increasingly critical role in the construction industry.
“It’s arguably the most important of the construction trades because of the amount of defects out there and the cost to rectify them,” Mr Rose said.
“Building classification laws are tightening and every building requires some form of water proofing. It’s created huge demand for water proofing professionals.
“Scheriya was a great student, very attentive and meticulous, and I have no doubt she’ll have a successful career in the industry.”
TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields is the only TAFE NSW campus in the state to offer the qualification.