Joining a trade was never in question for Lily Booth, who knew she always wanted to pursue it as a career. She loves being outside and going on adventures, so doing a trade made sense for her. An office and four walls is not where she likes to be, so it left her with just one question. Which trade?

It was hearing her flatmate talk about working in scaffolding that made her want to try it out and led her to joining the industry.

Lily has just started her trade journey, being in scaffolding for 3 months. She offers a fresh pair of eyes and new perspective on what she thinks about joining scaffolding as a career, and what she's learned along the way.

Scaffolding isn't something that just goes up with new buildings, it could be for heritage building restorations, houses and architectural designs, factories and working sites, all the way through to concerts and events. For Lily, that's the best part of the industry, "I love the variety of work we do, how not every day is the same".

Went it comes to the hardest part of the job, Lily shares with us a very relatable challenge. "Overcoming my fear of heights is sometimes I am slowly becoming more comfortable with. I am also loving the challenge I am giving myself on trying to carry more and more each time". Getting friendly with heights is likely a challenge a lot of new starters face. But whether you are a natural-born wall climber, or an adventure seeker, scaffolding is a trade that will take you places - laterally and vertically.

In the time that Lily has been working and learning the ropes, she's come to appreciate the importance of good communication and team work. Working in the construction industry is not a solo gig, "we are always communicating with one another whether it's bringing gear or catching the small items. Team work is another skill that is very important as we are always working in a team environment. I really enjoy working alongside all my peers and being able to learn from them".

It's daunting starting a new role with so much to learn, but it's also empowering. Lily navigates the challenges of starting out and has learned a lot about her own strength, "I've learned to never give up and to stop doubting myself and that when I put my mind to it I can achieve it. Such as carrying 3m decks which I did struggle with".

For anyone new to the industry or considering giving it a try, Lily gives this advice, "just give everything your best shot and don’t be afraid to ask for help".

If you're looking to get into the industry, check out job listings with us.