Category: Construction

Approaches and challenges
Professor Katrin Künzi Hummel from Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) has been working with women in timber construction for a long time. Based on her practical experience and scientific studies, she presented various approaches in her lecture on how timber construction companies can drive change. She emphasised that timber construction professions should not just be limited to technical production, as they also have a design aspect. This should be emphasised more in order to appeal to women. The industry and companies should rethink their communication, as content, language and images often reflect male stereotypes. In order to attract women to the timber construction profession, role models such as “Carpenter on Tour” are important to show what is possible. If women work in timber construction companies, their examples can serve as career models. In addition to the desire for a future-proof career, the compatibility of work and family also plays an important role for many women. Companies should therefore consider options such as more flexible working hours, part-time work or shift work, not just to attract female specialists.

Challenges for female carpenters
It became clear during the panel discussion at the industry event that female carpenters still have difficulties entering the industry. Camille Seidler, now a timber construction engineer at Pirmin Jung AG, criticised the lack of support during her apprenticeship as a carpenter. Lara Zwiefelhofer, known as “Carpenter on Tour” for Holzbau Schweiz, had better experiences with her employers, but emphasised that women had to work harder to be accepted. Astrid Späti’s example showed that initiative is required. She joined the operations of Späti Holzbau AG and created her own areas of responsibility. Späti pointed out that although women have access to the industry, they mainly work in the administrative area. She emphasised the importance of the network between female carpenters and female managers for the exchange of knowledge. Jürg Hugener, head of the timber construction department at Wetzikon Vocational College, was pleased about the increase in female apprentices in his field, but emphasised the need for support from teaching staff and companies in order to make training positive for women.
Timber construction, a craft steeped in tradition, is slowly but surely changing. Long dominated by men, the various professions in timber construction are increasingly opening up to the diverse talents and skills of women. However, statistics show that there is still a long way to go to achieve a better balance between men and women in skilled trades such as carpentry. In the last three years, only 1 to 2 per cent of women completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter.

Encouragement for women in the carpentry profession
At the end of the discussion, advice for aspiring female carpenters and suggestions for companies were discussed. Lara Zwiefelhofer and Camille Seidler encouraged women to simply get started. Women should have the confidence that they have the same manual skills as men. However, it also requires perseverance and the courage to openly communicate your own needs. An appreciative team culture and promotion of communication as well as investment in modern technical aids were called for from the companies. At the end of the discussion, Astrid Späti emphasised the importance of a better network for women in timber construction. Jürg Hugener supported this and called on companies to actively support female career starters.