Rebecca Watson & Isabella Stanyon visits Te Whau Pathway for Girls with Hi-Vis, learning about careers in construction.

Girls with Hi-Vis Explore Future Trades

Girls Dive Into Infrastructure Careers by Rebecca Watson

Before attending the Girls with Hi-Vis, I was unsure of what working in infrastructure and the trades looked like. On June 13th, we had the amazing opportunity to attend ‘Girls with Hi-Vis’ at the Te Whau Pathway Project in Te Atatū. This event is held to inspire young women to explore careers in the infrastructure and trades industries. 

We started the day with an introduction on what we could expect for the day, and got geared up in hi-vis and hard hats. The event started with a presentation on the Te Whau Pathway Project, an impressive construction effort that’s helping to connect communities across West Auckland. It was exciting to learn how the project is being built, not just for transportation, but to benefit the environment and the community.

We got to tour the worksite and see all the action up close. From watching machinery in use to talking with engineers and site managers, we saw firsthand what goes into bringing a large-scale project to life. 

After the tour, we heard from women working across different parts of the infrastructure sector. They spoke to us about their roles and shared what it is really like to work on a project such as the pathway, as well as many other projects across a range of locations and types. It was eye-opening to realise how many jobs - some you wouldn't normally think of - are part of the infrastructure industry.

The event gave us a clear picture of what a career in infrastructure or trades can look like: practical, team-based, and full of variety. We learned that:

• There are way more opportunities in the trades than we expected. From civil construction to water systems and energy, some roles suit different strengths and interests.

• It’s a great choice if you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and being outdoors.

• Women are doing incredible things in this space. Hearing real-life stories from women already in the industry was super empowering.

• You don’t have to have it all figured out. Many of the speakers didn’t know what they wanted to do after school either, but trying out a trade opened a whole new pathway for them.

The event is perfect for young women in high school who:

• Like practical, hands-on work

• Enjoy working with a good team

• Prefer variety over sitting at a desk all day

• Want to make a real impact in their community

• Aren’t sure exactly what they want to do after school in the infrastructure area

• Don’t know much about the trades, but are keen to find out

We walked away feeling confident and way more informed about what our future could look like. This event doesn’t just show you what jobs are out there; it lets you try them. You’ll meet incredible people, gain experience, and maybe even discover a path you never thought was for you.

Discovering a Future in Construction by Isabella Stanyon

When I arrived at the Te Whau Pathway Project in Te Atatū, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As part of the Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) initiative, I knew I’d be learning about careers in infrastructure—but what I experienced was so much more than I expected!

The day started with a friendly introduction, complimentary goodie bags (complete with sweets, pamphlets, and pens), and, of course, hi-vis vests and hard hats. 

The team from HEB Construction explained the Te Whau boardwalk project—a pathway being built above the estuary. They shared the challenges they’d faced (like working around the ecosystems) and the solutions they’d come up with. It was interesting to hear how every detail, from materials to machinery, was carefully chosen to balance functionality, durability, and environmental care.

Then came the best part—seeing the construction in action! We visited a section still under development, where massive machines were at work. The team explained how each piece of equipment operated and even introduced us to a brand-new machine, especially designed for this project, to make construction smoother. 

What stood out was how passionate and knowledgeable the crew was. The woman leading our tour was incredibly friendly and informative, breaking down complex engineering concepts in a way that made sense. She highlighted different career paths—from engineering and machine operation to architecture and design—showing us just how many opportunities exist in this industry.

Next, we walked along the completed section of the boardwalk. Not only was the structure impressive, but the thoughtfulness behind it was too. The design incorporated Māori words and patterns, honouring the cultural significance of the land. The team had carefully planned the bridge’s path to protect the mangroves beneath it, proving that construction can work with nature.

After all that exploring, we were treated to a delicious lunch—a perfect chance to chat with the other girls and the professionals hosting us. The team then walked us through different career pathways, explaining apprenticeships, internships, and how to get started in the industry.

This experience completely changed my perspective on construction and infrastructure. It’s not just about heavy machinery and hard hats—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and making a real difference in communities.

If you’re a young woman even slightly curious about trades, engineering, or infrastructure, I couldn’t recommend Girls with Hi-Vis enough. It’s fun, empowering, and might just open doors to a career you never knew you’d love!