Cristina G.T. is one of the three women who has been trained in the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción del Principado de Asturias during this last academic year if we talk about occupations (trades). She is the only woman in her course, and asks for her place in a super masculinized sector, in which only 8% of the workers of the Principality of Asturias are women, who perform mainly administrative or construction management jobs, but not on construction site.

Cristina’s professional background did not predict that she would end up in this sector. She completed her studies at the age of 16 and has since then worked in sectors such as butchery and social health care. Four years ago, she stopped all activity to dedicate herself exclusively to the care of her son… until a few months ago, when she decided to return to the labour market.

As Cristina comes from a working family and had always really liked the world of construction, she was encouraged to restart her professional life in this sector, and decided to prepare herself to be able to apply for the public offer of employment set annually by the City Halls. Cristina is undertaking her qualification as installer of laminated drywalls and false ceilings and in this trade has found her professional vocation, also wishing to continue her training as a painter.

“I like it, I really do like my new job”, says Cristina.

However, Cristina believes that women’s professional careers in the construction sector will always be at a disadvantage.

“Construction entrepreneurs will always prefer a man rather than a woman. And society also conveys that construction is a man’s thing”, she pointed out.

“Not only do men say it, so do many women, she adds. However, I believe that women can work as whatever they want within the sector, just like men. It is true that there are some trades that require more brute force, but it all depends on the physical condition of the person who is going to perform those jobs, regardless of whether it is a woman or a man”.

Cristina advises construction entrepreneurs to rely more on women’s work. To not put so many impediments when hiring professional construction women.

“I encourage all women to undertake their qualification in the construction sector. I love this job, I find it fascinating to see how I’m able to create and build things that are going to have great utility”, Cristina ends. (M.H.)