Fortune favours the brave, and a wild shift from paramedics to electrical contracting has seen NAWIC member Jess McKenzie flourish for 16 years in the industry.
A job during university is usually just a way to keep the lights on while preparing for your real career. But for Jess, it turned out to be quite the opposite.
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The 34-year-old is a project director at Stowe Australia – one of the nation’s larger electrical contractors. Jess studied two years of paramedicine but reached the conclusion that it wasn’t for her.
While studying, she was working admin at Stowe. In a moment of complete ‘serendipity’, Stowe advertised apprenticeships at the same time Jess decided to step away from paramedics.
She thought she’d give it a go.
“I applied for a position and got it,” Jess said. “I spent four years doing my apprenticeship, and continued studying management courses once I had finished.
“My father and grandfather were both electricians, so I am a third-generation sparky, but when I was considering career choices at high school I never would have imagined I’d end up in the industry I am in.”
Jess’ study path came in the form of a four-year Certificate III in Electrotechnology, followed by a Certificate IV Project Management and a Diploma of Building and Construction, both of which were done via night school.
Hands-on work
Jess started out with a lot of hands-on stuff as she progressed through being an apprentice, grade and leading hand. She helped coordinate on-site installations which included work on switchboards, submains and cable trays all the way to general lighting and power.
“This is the reason you get to drive past jobs you have completed – to tell your family and friends – ‘I built that!’,” she said.
From there, Jess’ roles moved further into the area of managing others. Through her roles as project coordinator, project manager and on to director, Jess handled laying the groundwork for foremen, leading hands and grades.
“At a high level, our job is to ensure the design is correct and approved by the client, the procurement of all materials is correct and onsite when the team needs it, ensure there is enough labour onsite, and the programme allows enough time for us to complete our installation,” she said.
While managing complex projects with tight deadlines can be stressful, Jess said the variety and innovation in the industry made every day fun.
“I know I am biased, but I find the electrical industry very exciting,” she said.
“Projects and technology are constantly changing and evolving, which allows you to constantly learn and experience new systems, concepts and ideas. Our team is very lucky as we have been able to complete many complex and interesting projects over the years.”
The next generation
Her seniority within the ranks at Stowe has resulted in Jess mentoring other project managers within the company.
“My advice to any other leaders in the industry is to not overlook the importance of your teams’ culture.
“Happy teams are more successful and productive. Also, leaders should always look after and listen to your team members. They are the biggest asset you have and are a wealth of knowledge, information and ideas.
“No one can build a project alone. It is the cumulative effort of many that achieves success.”
As a woman in a typically male-dominated industry, Jess has noticed a sea change of late.
“More and more I see higher numbers of women, indigenous and other minority groups onsite in integral roles,” she added.
“I think it is great the industry is growing and changing to encompass everyone who wants to be involved.”
Jess said Stowe had a strong culture of embracing diversity and inclusion in its workplace, which allowed it to foster a welcoming atmosphere. She said Stowe’s Melbourne construction workforce was 10 per cent female and five per cent Indigenous. The Melbourne contingent was bolstered by a 2023 apprentice intake that was 25 per cent women. “I think it’s important to note Stowe does not hire personnel to meet targets or quotas, but because we want team members who are the best people for the job,” Jess said. “It is this mentality that has helped us grow what I think is the strongest team in the electrical industry.”
A spark
So what drew Jess to stay in the industry for so long? “A major factor that has kept me involved in the construction industry for 16 years are the people, especially the people in my team,” she said. “I am so lucky to work with such supportive, hardworking, fun individuals. It makes coming to work a pleasure.
I look forward to seeing them every day.” Jess is also a long-standing member of the National Association of Women in Construction
(NAWIC), having been part of the organisation since her fourth year as an apprentice. A notable member in her own right; Jess credited fellow NAWIC stalwart Fiona Mitchell for getting her involved with the organisation.
“Fiona is a wonderful advocate for women in construction and has an amazing amount of experience in the industry,” Jess said.
“Fiona nominated me for a NAWIC award for female apprentices, which I won., and the experience I had working with Fiona on my application, and then meeting everyone at the awards night, showed me what a supportive environment NAWIC was.
“It is great to be around other women in construction and hear about their experiences and ideas.”
Jess continues to mentor the next generation of leading hands, grades and managers in Stowe, which includes the growing female demographic. Jess said ever since she got started in NAWIC, she’s encouraged others to join.
“Some people don’t realise women in construction do not always get to work side-by-side other women, and this is especially true for women in trades,” she said.
“A group like NAWIC is invaluable to provide that touchstone for women to talk to other women and assist in the sharing of information and networking.”