On Site and Owning It: A Woman’s Life in Construction
When you think of a construction site, the stereotype image that comes to mind is usually hard hats, steel-toe boots, and a crew of men grafting side by side. But at JATA Construction, the picture looks a little different. In an industry where women make up just 1% of the manual workforce, Aaliyah Taylor is the only woman on site — and she’s owning it.
It’s empowering to show other women this isn’t just a man’s job.”
We sat down with her to find out what it’s really like working in a male-dominated industry, how she got here, and why she believes more women should be picking up the tools.
“I actually started out in the JATA office when I was 18,” she laughs. “I was there for just over a year, but I wasn’t very good at it. One of the painters working with JATA was looking for an apprentice and my Dad suggested I give it a go on the tools instead. I agreed — and I haven’t looked back. Four years later, I still love everything about construction, and now I do a lot more than just painting.”
The best thing is proving to all the men that if they can do it, I can do it better.”
Being the only woman on site doesn’t faze her. In fact, she finds it motivating. “The best thing is proving to all the men that if they can do it, I can do it better,” she says with a grin. “It’s empowering to show other women this isn’t just a man’s job — we can do it too.”
And despite being outnumbered, she’s never felt sidelined. “I’ve never felt left out. The men I work with all treat me the same, like I’m one of them.”
I’ve never felt like ‘just a woman’ on site.”
Ask her about the best part of the job, and the answer comes without hesitation: “Learning new things and throwing myself into trying everything. Plus, the way I have one big family with JATA Construction. That makes the hard days worth it.”
Of course, challenges exist. “Sometimes I’m not always as strong as the lads and I have to ask for help,” she admits, “and being a woman comes with its own rough times, especially with things a few men don’t understand. But when you talk to them, they always listen and help out as much as they can. Opening up is the best way.”
It’s the best choice I ever made”
For young women who might be nervous about stepping onto site, her advice is clear and full of encouragement: “There’s nothing to be nervous about. It’s the best choice I ever made. Once you start getting to know everyone and building that one big family around you, you’ll never look back. Construction is tough, the days can be long and hard, but I still love it every single day. Construction can be made for all of us!”
Quick-Fire with Aaliyah:
- ☕ Morning essential: “Definitely a coffee before anything.”
- 🌦 Toughest challenge: “The weather.”
- 🛠 Favourite mastered skill: “Getting the on-site jokes — makes the day easier!”
- 👟 Steel-toe boots: “Comfy… most days.”
- 💭 If not construction? “Honestly, I don’t know. Nothing would be the same.”
Her story is proof that construction isn’t about gender — it’s about grit, skill, and the willingness to learn. And with voices like hers leading the way, the industry is opening its doors to a new generation of women ready to pick up the tools.
JATA’s Founder couldn’t agree more: “We’re always pushing for more women to get on site — the industry needs it, especially with the shortage of trades out there. Aaliyah’s had it tougher than most because she’s my daughter, and there’s never an easy ride for family. If anything, I’ve kept an even closer eye on her because she’s had to prove herself. But she’s smashed it, not just a solid part of the team, but tougher than most of the blokes .” – Rob Taylor.
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