Growing the Number of Young Professionals and Trades in Passivhaus
Pictured: Bethany Mercieca
Sustainability and climate change have been hot topics for decades, but building standards like Passivhaus are only just gaining traction. Why could this be the case?
According to The Pew Research Center, most people are tired of the doom-and-gloom narrative portrayed by the media which leads to them believing that climate change is overblown. And this view has likely become entrenched in much of the building industry, hampering participation.
To remedy this, it takes a two-pronged approach with industry leaders playing a key role and individuals themselves advocating for change.
In this month’s sustainability spotlight, Bethany Mercieca, a carpenter at Blue Eco Homes and HIA apprentice of the year, shares how we can grow the number of young professionals and trades in Passivhaus.
But before we worry about Passivhaus, we need to get more people involved in the building and construction industry in general.
What’s Currently Stopping More People From Getting Involved in the Building Industry?
In the world of construction, some false ideas have kept women and other non-traditional applicants (think career pivots, mature apprentices, etc.) from entering the industry.
One of the biggest myths is that it’s not a woman’s job. It’s too rough and tough, women are naturally weaker and that non-traditionals are just generally unwelcome in the industry.
Even though Beth practically grew up on a construction site due to her dad owning Blue Eco Homes, she’s still come across people who perpetrate these myths. But instead of shying away or getting angry, she uses these moments to teach a new way of thinking.
If I encounter someone that’s unwelcoming, I ask them questions like, ‘Why do you think I can’t be here?’ If it’s because they think women are too weak, I highlight the fact that there are plenty of tools, like lifting aids, that all but remove the strength gap. Not to mention that it’s completely fine to ask for help – something everyone should be doing to avoid injury.
We also need to change the way we think about success in the construction industry.
In Beth’s experience, it’s all too easy for managers to blame bad work on the fact that an apprentice comes from a non-traditional background rather than the fact that they may not be getting enough support because of their demographic.
At the end of the day, everyone is equal. There’s no reason at all to discourage certain demographics from joining the trades. There’s much more to construction than simply being strong – there’s attention to detail, precision, having a positive attitude and being forward-thinking. Not to mention the fact that having women and non-traditionals in the industry can help it move forward due to the more diverse opinions, skills and values they bring.
Creating a More Supportive Industry For Newcomers
Changing the beliefs and values of an industry is no easy feat, that’s why leaders have a key role to play in advocating for change.
As a non-traditional apprentice herself, Beth emphasises the need for industry leaders to take deliberate steps towards embracing diversity and cultivating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Her suggestions include:
1. Embrace Open-Mindedness
Beth believes that a critical starting point is breaking down biases and stereotypes. Leaders need to be open-minded and willing to take chances that challenge their current beliefs.
I think a lot of it comes down to just giving people a chance. I’ve talked to multiple females that have tried to get an apprenticeship, but have been instantly kicked back because they have a female name. So, a lot of it is about being open-minded and attempting to change things up.
By giving everyone, regardless of their background, an equal chance, leaders can set a precedent for a more inclusive industry. This means fostering an environment where opportunities are not restricted by gender, background or demographic.
2. Educate and Learn
Embracing open-mindedness requires leaders to step outside of their comfort zone instead of staying in the same old echo chamber.
It’s about leaders educating themselves and being open to new perspectives, talking to non-traditional apprentices and asking them what they need to perform at their best and actually backing these apprentices if something isn’t working for them.
Listening to their perspectives and concerns is crucial for understanding how to support them effectively as the industry was built on the back of completely different beliefs and perspectives. This involves active communication and a willingness to adapt and make necessary changes based on feedback.
3. Promote Visibility and Representation
Although we’re still in the early stages of creating a more inclusive industry, there are plenty of examples of females and non-traditionals getting a start and becoming successful in the industry.
So, a key part of furthering the movement requires leaders to promote and showcase these individuals as inspiration for the next wave of industry professionals.
It comes back to “you can’t be what you can’t see,” so it’s really about promoting that these non-traditional people have every right to be involved. It’s up to leaders to equally share and promote opportunities which can begin a self-sustaining and positive cycle.
Bringing Passivhaus Into the Picture
As we improve the diversity in the construction industry, one benefit is that more people will discover, learn about and commit to promoting Passivhaus principles.
But, just as we require a paradigm shift to improve the inclusivity of the construction industry, we also need the same to happen regarding Passivhaus.
Beth shared some excellent suggestions that can grow the adoption of the building standard:
1. Educate About Passivhaus Benefits
Leaders can contribute by spreading awareness about the benefits of Passivhaus construction by highlighting how improved industry standards positively impact builders, customers and communities.
Another approach is to simply get people inside Passivhaus-certified homes as it’s a tangible way to show the difference in building quality.
Practical exposure can create a lasting impact and inspire individuals to pursue careers in the Passivhaus sector – especially if they’re exposed to first-hand testimonials from occupants themselves.
2. Nurture Pride and Passion
Unfortunately, the construction industry is often seen as a backup job – something people fall into rather than aspire to join.
That’s why leaders have the responsibility to cultivate pride and passion for the trades and sustainable building.
We need to get out of the box of building cheap and quick. If I want to put my name and face on a project, I want it to last. I don’t want to drive past only for it to be collapsed or awful looking.
Teaching the importance of creating lasting, high-quality structures can instil a sense of purpose and commitment among newcomers. By encouraging them to envision the long-term impact of their work, leaders can spark enthusiasm and dedication to Passivhaus.
It’s very much about putting the idea of future thought into their heads. It’s thinking about the future and who’s going to be living in the house next. It’s about looking at how the house is going to age and showing them that we need to be building things that are going to last. It’s about showing them that we can build better and promote that it’s really rewarding to build quality housing that’s better for the environment and occupants.
3. Integrate Passivhaus Into all Education
While this suggestion is certainly the most complex to implement, it’s likely the one that will likely result in the biggest industry impact.
Beth suggests that Passivhaus principles should be integrated into relevant educational courses right from the start.
Passivhaus is not a last-minute decision. With the forward thinking and planning you learn from Passivhaus principles, I think it should be implemented as soon as possible.
Beth's vision aligns with a desire for Passivhaus to become the Australian standard.
It comes down to a very Blue Eco Homes belief that we one day want Passivhaus to be the Australian standard because the efficiency, health, sustainability and every other aspect is simply better than what we have now.
But even if apprentices don’t make Passivhaus a major part of their careers, learning about things like thermal bridges and window effects goes a long way towards improving the building industry as a whole.
The Path Forward
While the construction industry and sustainability leaders have their roles to play in promoting diversity and inclusion, some responsibility lies in the hands of individuals who are determined to make their mark.
If you fall into the non-traditional category and aspire to break into Passivhaus and the construction industry in general, here are a few things you can do:
1. Seek Work Experience and Networking: Talking to builders and networking with professionals can provide invaluable insights and connections.
I always say to most of the high school kids, try and get work experience, talk to builders, network. For the women, find the classic lady tradie groups and talk to other females in the industry. And the same goes for any non-traditional applicants, find a role model that you can learn and grow from.
2. Utilise Pre-Apprenticeship Courses: These courses can equip you with essential skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate when pursuing apprenticeships.
3. Get Clear On Your Path: Taking the time to research and understand different roles within Passivhaus and the construction sector is crucial. You should identify the specific area you want to specialize in whether it's design, carpentry or another trade. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.
But one of the best tips we can share is to be proactive about your search.
Just because one builder knocks you back, it doesn’t mean that’s it. If it’s something you really want to do, keep pushing because someone somewhere will eventually give you an opportunity.
Do you want to follow in Bethany’s footsteps and become a Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson? Click the button below to learn more.
