Community & Business
12 September, 2023
Master Builder
Oakey’s Sophie Knauth says she’s focused on the present after accepting the Master Builders Award for Women in Building.
The local tradie and fourth-year apprentice says she’s keeping her feet firmly to the ground.
Since leaving school, she’s become adept at pouring footings, subflooring, framing, trusses, decking and cladding.
Her versatility in multiple trades saw her nominated by her bosses, Nick and Hannah Andrew, for the award.
Sophie says she’s developed a cross-set of abilities during her time working for the firm.
“I’ve learned lots of skills within other trades as well such as concreting, landscaping, plumbing, tiling, plastering,” she said.
“The company I work for mainly specialises in renovations and extensions but I do a lot of things - anything from starting the build to finishing.”
Sophie does most of her work in and around Toowoomba, and has been with the firm since finishing the first year of her apprenticeship.
She says it’s becoming easier for women to join the traditionally male-dominated trade sector.
“I see more and more women in the industry and I think it’s wonderful,” she said.
“I say give it your best go, stick it out and don’t doubt yourself.
“As physically challenging as it can be it can be it’s worth it, as time goes on you build strength and you discover ways and means around things that make it more comfortable for you.”
At the moment, Sophie doesn’t have any firm long term goals except to finish her qualifications.
“My long term goal career wise is to see out my apprenticeship and keep building with Nick and see where it takes me,” she said.
Physical work is in the Knauth family bloodline and Sophie grew up in the local Oakey district around people in the trades industry particularly in her father’s line of work.
“My dad is a plasterer by trade so I’ve always grown up around the industry and always meeting people within the field,” Sophie Knauth said.
Her pathway brought her from Jondaryan State School, moving to Oakey State School and into Oakey State High School, where she joined the construction program.
“I really enjoyed doing woodwork etcetera in high school,” she said.
“When I got to year 11 (at Oakey State High) I joined the construction program and really enjoyed it and started doing work experience with a few builders to gain more experience.
“I then decided that I was going to pursue the field of carpentry.”
Along her journey from a passion into a line of work there have been many people who have spurred Sophie on.
She cites family, teachers and her current team at Nicholas Andrew Constructions as being the greatest influences on her journey in becoming a tradesperson.
“The people who have helped me throughout this journey are of course my family and Mr Gray who was in charge of the construction area at Oakey high,” she said.
“The team I currently work with as well have taught me and helped me so much throughout my apprenticeship.”
