Before landing her dream apprenticeship, Matilda thought she’d tried it all. She knew that university, hospitality and retail weren’t for her, but she couldn’t figure out what was next. That was, until she stumbled across an ad for a cabinet maker apprentice in the local paper!
Fast forward a few years, and Matilda is still working for the same cabinetry company (and still loving every second of it)! With plenty of time and the guidance of her mentors, her confidence has blossomed, and she now knows just how capable she truly is. Want to know the rest of her story? All you need to do is tune into her interview and discover:
- How Matilda tracked down her ideal job opportunity.
- All the little things that make a career in cabinet making so great.
- How her experience in the industry has challenged preconceived ideas.
- Her career highlights (and what you can look forward to in your own apprenticeship).
And much, much more!
Find Out More
There are a lot of misconceptions about the construction industry; that’s why Master Builders Victoria is all about shutting down stereotypes and showcasing just how great the construction industry can really be! By illuminating exciting career pathways, insights into what it’s like for women in the construction business, tips for landing an apprenticeship and everything in between, they want to help you start your own construction career on the right foot; so, listen up!
The best bit? Master Builders Victoria are so committed to helping you build a successful career that they’ve even created a tonne of resources to help you do so! Don’t let their insightful tips go to waste; you can find all the info you need on the building and construction industry by heading to Master Builders’ employer profile today!
Transcript:
My name is Matilda Ould and I’m a 28 year old fully qualified cabinet maker.
Q: Can you tell us about your current role?
A: I currently work full time for All Cabinetry which is 10 minutes from home which is unreal and my cabinetry journey started when I was probably about 18 years old. I was working in retail and I hated it. I didn’t really have the desire to go back to uni and study again, it just didn’t feel like the pathway for me. So I had to flick through the local trading post. There was an ad for a local apprentice cabinet maker, so I contacted my nail boss and I think within a week I was on the factory floor and I was signed up to be an apprentice within the month.
Q: What are the best bits about working as a cabinet maker?
A: The people that you meet, like some of the guys and women that I did my apprenticeship with, I still have some great friendships with. You know, you get thrown in with this big group of people that are vast, different age groups and men, women now, which is so great.
Q: What about this industry challenged you the most?
A: The most challenging thing for me was confidence with cabinetry and all trades for that matter, you really have to find a sense of confidence in what you’re doing. Because you’re actually physically creating something for a client who is paid it can be really daunting and really stressful. But over time, you know, you gain your confidence and you realise that we all make mistakes. I’ve made loads. That’s how you learn.
And something else was being a woman and starting quite a few years ago, it was a little bit daunting. But then as the years have gone by and we keep evolving and more women keep getting involved, it’s just become really rewarding in a sense to see that we all can do it.
Q: What made you choose such a hands on career?
A: Pretty much from year 10 through year 12, I did woodwork at school and it was my favourite subject and I didn’t really fancy going to uni or anything like that. I just couldn’t see myself doing it. I wasn’t enjoying my current work and it just so happened that I saw the ad in the local paper and things sort of just fell into place.
