Penny Petridis Is Building Confidence, Capability and Choice for Women in Trades

With more than 30 years of experience spanning boilermaking, carpentry, horticulture, and construction, Penny Petridis is a force for transformation. From founding Female Tradie to launching Get Handy Workshops, she is helping women of all ages build confidence, skills, and careers, while reshaping the narrative of who belongs in construction.

Through practical training, honest storytelling, and a fierce belief in what is possible, Penny is clearing a path where women can thrive as tradies, leaders, and business owners.

• Founder of Female Tradie and Get Handy Workshops, offering skills training, personal development, and pathways into trades and microbusiness.
• Over 30 years of industry experience, starting as a qualified boilermaker with further credentials in horticulture and building & construction
• Discovered a passion for carpentry and built a business from the ground up with a mission to empower others
• Turned self-doubt and external scepticism into fuel, letting her craftsmanship and customer satisfaction speak for her
• Advocates for visibility, inclusive training, and employment opportunities for women, especially within small businesses
• Passionate about supporting older women to re-enter the workforce by starting handywoman or maintenance businesses
• Promotes diversity education, safety awareness, and leadership development to create more inclusive workspaces
• Encourages women to lead with skill, humility, and confidence—staying grounded and leaving ego at the door
• Strives to create safe, empowering spaces where women can build belief in themselves and their capabilities
• Committed to building a legacy of opportunity, confidence, and practical empowerment—one woman, one workshop at a time

“With the right mindset, support, and determination, you can change your life. These skills don’t just build structures—they build confidence, choice, and freedom. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

In this feature, Penny shares her remarkable evolution from tradie to trailblazer and why empowering women to believe in themselves is as critical as teaching them how to use a drill.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in construction, and how have you successfully navigated it?

The biggest challenge has been overcoming doubt from others and sometimes from within myself. Early in my career, I often needed to prove I was good enough and belonged. There was always this pressure to justify my place on worksites and to perform at a higher level just to be seen as equal.

I overcame this by focusing on my skills and letting the quality of my work speak for itself. I also learned to stay humble and leave the ego at home. Instead of trying to prove anything, I focused on my passion for the work and kept striving to create better projects. That excitement of seeing my work improve and ensuring my customers were happy became my driving force.

Over time, I built confidence, stood firm in my expertise, and earned respect by consistently delivering excellent results.

I now use these experiences to mentor and coach others, helping them overcome self-doubt and barriers in their journeys. I want women to know they are more than capable and that success comes from being prepared, staying true to their craft, and believing in themselves.

What do you think are the most significant barriers preventing more women from entering the construction industry, and how can ambassadors like yourself help break down these barriers?

We are seeing more role models take centre stage, which is inspiring and essential for visibility. However, the biggest challenge is finding women sustainable employment in the industry. Many employers, especially in smaller businesses, still lack the confidence or readiness to integrate women into their teams. It is not always about doubting women’s skills, but uncertainty about how to adapt the workplace culture to support diversity. Many employers are unsure where to begin without much experience in promoting inclusion.

As ambassadors, we can play a key role in bridging this gap by nurturing connections and creating networking opportunities that open doors to more employment. Through programs like Female Tradie and Get Handy Workshops, I focus on building practical skills and developing relationships across the industry. We must continue advocating for inclusive training, educating businesses on the value of diversity, and providing mentorship to help women and employers build trust and confidence in these opportunities.

What strategies do you use to make your voice heard among the few women on worksites or in meetings?

Early in my career, I often needed to prove I was good enough and belonged. Over time, I learned that it was not about trying to prove anything to others but about focusing on the quality of my work. I stayed humble, delivered outstanding results, and let my work speak for itself. I also learned the importance of knowing when to walk away from conversations or situations that did not feel right. The power lies within yourself—you cannot let anyone bring you down or give in to bullying.

Confidence naturally follows when you stay true to your trade and continue to grow your expertise. People listen when they see you know what you are doing and can articulate your ideas without arrogance.

Do you believe ambassadors are more prominent in today’s generation than 10 years ago? If so, how has this role evolved, and why is it significant in driving change?

Yes, ambassadors play a much more prominent role today. Ten years ago, fewer visible women were in construction, but with increased public awareness and social media, we now have greater platforms to drive change.

Our role has evolved from simply representing women to creating opportunities through education, mentorship, and leadership. Seeing women thrive in these roles helps shift perceptions and opens doors for future generations. It is why I love what I do so much.

What impact do you hope to achieve through your role as a Women Building NSW Female Ambassador, and what legacy would you like to leave for future generations?

I want to inspire more women to believe in themselves and take control of their future, whether by pursuing a trade career or starting their own business. While I love supporting younger women entering trades, I am also passionate about sharing opportunities with the older generation. Many feel disheartened about finding work, despite having valuable skills. I want to raise awareness that they can still be part of the building industry by starting their own maintenance or handywoman business. This allows them to work on smaller jobs, create new opportunities for themselves, and build a career doing what they love.

I aim to show you that you can achieve anything with the right mindset and determination. I want to leave a legacy of opportunity and empowerment, making it easier for future generations to succeed because the path has already been paved. Dream big and chase your dreams.

Who has been a key mentor or role model in your journey—male or female—and how have they influenced your career and leadership style?

My dad was one of my earliest mentors. He was always working or making something, and being around that inspired me to pursue a hands-on career. My sister, the first in our family to enter a trade in electrical aviation engineering, also greatly influenced me. Seeing her thrive showed me that I could do it too if I wanted it enough. She led the way with her skills and work ethic, which motivated me to build my trade path.

Although she is no longer in the industry, interviews like this remind me of her positive impact on me. It also highlights how much you can change someone’s life by showing them you are doing it. That is the kind of inspiration I aim to provide for others today through my work and leadership.

Can you share a formative experience that shaped your leadership vision and approach? How has this influenced your role as an ambassador in mentoring and supporting others?

One of my most formative experiences has been seeing women transform during my workshops. Many come in feeling unsure and lacking confidence, but by the time they leave, there is a noticeable shift—they feel empowered and capable. Witnessing these moments has shaped my leadership approach. I have learned that creating a safe, supportive environment for learning is key to helping people grow and thrive.

This experience has strengthened my commitment to mentoring and supporting others. I lead with empathy and focus on helping people believe in themselves, knowing they can achieve their goals with the right encouragement and tools. As an ambassador, I aim to continue creating these transformative opportunities for women in trades and beyond.

What milestones has the construction industry achieved in advancing gender equality, and what initiatives or changes would you like to see to make it more inclusive and welcoming for women?

The construction industry has progressed, with more women taking on leadership roles and more visibility for women in trades than ever before. Programs aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion have also become more common, which is a positive step.

However, there is still work to do. I would like to see more targeted initiatives that create job opportunities for women, especially those interested in starting or growing their businesses in the trades. Education around workplace diversity, mentorship, and networking programs can help build a stronger pipeline for women entering and succeeding in the industry. Inclusivity is not just about hiring women—it is about ensuring they feel safe and have the support needed to thrive in their roles.

What is your advice for women considering a career in construction, and how can ambassadors like yourself help make their journey smoother?

My advice? Just believe in yourself and take that first step. You do not have to know everything immediately—skills and confidence grow as you go. These trade and DIY skills can change your life by giving you independence, confidence, and new opportunities.

Also, do not be afraid to reach out to others. So many women in trades now are happy to share their stories and give advice. Ambassadors like me are here to help guide and support you along the way. You can create a career or business you genuinely love with determination and the proper support.