Just have the courage! The skilled trades offer many great opportunities and varied tasks for girls and women.

Regina

Regina is a carpenter and talks about her everyday life in a male-dominated profession.

Regina became aware of ZÜBLIN Timber through an internship. She has become an integral part of our production and shows that women can thrive in skilled trades.

As a woman, I don't get any other tasks. The most important thing is that the teams fit together well, support each other and complement each other. That way, we can overcome any challenge together.

Regina

Why did you decide to become a carpenter?

It was clear to me while I was still at school that I didn't want to do a purely office-based job later on. I always particularly enjoyed working with wood in craft lessons. My uncle is also a carpenter, which gave me an early insight into the material and the profession. I then did an internship as a carpenter at ZÜBLIN Timber and quickly realised that I really liked the work. That's why I subsequently decided to do an apprenticeship here. Since completing my apprenticeship in 2024, I have been working as a fully qualified carpenter at the company.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

My favourite thing to do is to use the cranes we have here in the production halls. I really enjoy it and it makes working with heavy wooden parts so much easier.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I don't have a typical working day. The tasks are simply too varied for that. During the course of the day, spontaneous tasks often arise that you didn't even expect in the morning.
However, we generally start the day by coordinating as a team and discussing the tasks. I often work with the same colleagues, so we are a well-rehearsed team and know exactly how we work best.
Incidentally, I don't get any "easier" tasks as a woman. It's much more important that the teams fit together well, support each other and complement each other.

What is your favourite project?

I particularly enjoyed the work for the green depot in Mannheim. I worked on the wood-concrete composite ceiling elements there. Together as a team, we screwed together large beams with fully threaded Spax.
I'm currently working on the timber frame construction for the primary and secondary school on Zielsattstrasse. I also really like this project. In general, however, every construction project is exciting and challenging in its own way, which is what makes the job so exciting for me.

As a woman, you work in a very male-dominated profession. How do you deal with that? Do you sometimes have to deal with prejudices?

I have no problems at all with gender distribution. I am completely accepted and respected by my colleagues. We communicate openly with each other, support each other and laugh a lot together.
I've hardly had to deal with any prejudices so far. Over time, I've been able to show what I can do and have earned my place in the team.

What advice would you give to girls and women who want to go into the trades?

My most important piece of advice would be: just go for it! Especially at the beginning, it's worth doing various internships to find out which company and which colleagues really suit you. You should also be brave, ask questions and contribute your own ideas. The skilled trades offer an incredible number of opportunities and varied tasks.

Three words that best describe your job?

Versatile - Fun - Challenging

What are your plans for the future?

From October, I will be doing further training to become a construction technician. However, I will continue to work full-time as a carpenter and attend school in the evenings and on Saturdays. My plan for afterwards is to switch to the office here at the company and then work in work preparation. I particularly like the fact that I could continue to work closely with my current colleagues there.

How do you spend your time when you're not working?

I love swimming in my free time. Apart from that, we have a farm at home, so there's always something to do. I usually spend time with our cows. I also enjoy watching films and series and being out in nature.