In Her Shoes : Ruby

In Her Shoes : Ruby

Name : Ruby Harrison

Company name :  National Institute of Construction Skills

Job title : Head Trainer - Painting and Decorating

If we had to step into your (she wear) shoes (pun intended), what could we expect a day in your life to feel like? : 

If you stepped into my (she wear) shoes for a day… well, first thing you’d notice is they’re probably covered in a bit of paint. I’m usually up early, squeezing in a workout before I get to campus. 

Once I’m there, the day kicks off with the usual mix of theory chats, trying to keep apprentices focused, and answering questions with a policy of there is no such thing as a stupid question. Then we hit the practical's. Brushes, rollers, decorative finishes, wallpapering, colour matching, you name it. I’m running around helping students improve technique and celebrating their wins, all while making sure lines are straight, coverage is even, surfaces are prepped properly, and tools are cleaned the way they should be.

Some days I’m not even on campus. I might be flying up to Cairns to train apprentices up there, or I’m hooking up the trailer and driving down to Mackay to do the same. When I’m not teaching, I’m either kicking my feet up for a minute (which is rare) or I’m back on the tools doing my own painting jobs or helping my dad with his. Because apparently I can’t escape paint even on my days off. 

It’s busy, a bit messy, constantly changing, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you enjoy about your role?  What is the favourite part of your job? : 

My absolute favourite part of my role is the apprentices. I love getting to work with so many different personalities, seeing how each person learns, and adapting the way I teach so every student gets what they need. Helping them reach their full potential is honestly the best part. Watching them grow in confidence, skills, and attitude over the years—and building real relationships along the way—is what makes the job so rewarding.

I also really enjoy the people I meet through the job. I love networking events where I get to meet other women in the industry or other painters who share the same passion for the trade. It all makes the work even more rewarding. And honestly, I love that my job is hands-on and keeps me active. Having a trade skill is so useful in everyday life. Whether I’m helping friends or family with their painting, fixing a job for a client who’s had a poor experience, or just saving money on my own house, it’s a skill that always comes in handy.

How did you get into your role? :

I actually started out in a completely different world. I was working an office job in admin and communications while studying a Bachelor of Communications. I was bored, unfulfilled, and honestly just over it. So I asked my dad (who’s a painter) if I could come work with him for a while while I finished my degree and figured out my next step.

A few years went by, and I was still painting… and loving it. That’s when I realised I was never meant for a desk job or university life. I’d been trying to push myself into a box, especially back then when not many women were entering trades. I ended up ditching the degree and signing up for an apprenticeship, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I honestly wish I’d done a trade straight out of school instead of forcing myself down the uni path. After I got qualified, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) I did my apprenticeship through approached me and asked if I’d consider becoming a trainer. (Apparently turning up to training with lists of practical's I needed to do and skills I wanted to learn was a giveaway.) So I became a trainee trainer, completed my TAE, and over the years worked my way up to head trainer. It wasn’t the path I expected, but it’s definitely the one I was meant to take.


Have you won any awards, earned any special recognition or been involved in something “out of the box”? : 

Since becoming a trainer, I’ve been able to get involved in some really cool things. One of the biggest highlights has been working with my students who compete in WorldSkills—which is basically the Olympics for trades. Every trade you can think of, from plumbing to painting, hairdressing to culinary, competes at regional, national, and even international levels.

I’ve had three students make it all the way to the national competition, and this year one of my apprentices won gold at the nationals. That was a huge achievement for him, and being part of his training journey to get there was honestly one of the proudest moments of my career. Since stepping into this role, I’ve also been lucky enough to win the Young Achiever Award through Awesome Women in Construction and the Contribution to Construction award. And this year I was also a finalist for Trainer of the Year in the Brisbane region at the Queensland Training Awards. 

It’s been a wild ride, but it’s made me love my job even more.

What advice would you give to other women? :

If you’re thinking about getting into the industry, honestly—just give it a go. You won’t regret it. Yes, it’s hard work, and yes, you’ll probably deal with discrimination at times, but it also builds resilience, confidence, and a sense of pride in what you can do. It’s empowering to show people what you’re capable of.

One thing I always remind women is that you’re not alone. There are so many women out there who want to help, support, and cheer you on. The women in the construction community are incredibly supportive, and it’s one of my favourite parts of being in this industry. Everyone you meet is there to lift you up because we all know the challenges and the barriers you can face, but we also know how worth it the journey is.

My tips?

  • Join groups and online communities and follow other female tradies—it’s inspiring and makes you feel part of something bigger.
  • Go to networking events. The people you meet are amazing, and those connections can make a huge difference.
  • And back yourself. Even on the tough days.

Do you have a favourite saying or quote, or mantra that you live by? : 

One of my favourite quotes comes from the CEO and founder of Awesome Women in Construction, Amanda Bulow: “You can’t be what you can’t see.” 

This really stuck with me from the moment I heard her say it. It’s a big part of why I put myself out there and advocate for other women in construction. It makes such a difference when you can see someone who looks like you doing the things you want to do. And honestly, the whole experience is so much more enjoyable when you’ve got other women to talk to, relate to, and stand beside.

Tell us a funny story about your role or an amusing experience you’ve had : 

One of my favourite stories from when I was an apprentice happened in my very first week. I was standing on something I definitely shouldn’t have been, it slipped out from under me, and I ended up falling and wearing the paint I was holding. Absolutely covered. They hosed me down and sent me home wrapped in a drop sheet like a sad little burrito. I also get some pretty funny reactions when people ask what I do. I’ll say, “I’m a painter,” and they’ll go, “Oh cool, like an artist?” or “What do you paint?” And I’m like, “Houses, mate. I’m a tradie.”

Another one that always makes me laugh is when my students don’t realise I’m actually a painter myself. Slightly concerning that they think someone with no painting experience could be their trade teacher—but the moment it clicks and they go, “OHHHHH, you’re a painter!” always cracks me up.

These kinds of things happen a couple of times a year. They used to annoy me, but now I just laugh. 

Have you ever encountered any negative experiences that, although difficult at the time, may have helped shape who you are today? : 

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry means you’re always going to come across some negative experiences. It’s almost unavoidable. But the longer I’ve been in the trade, the less I’ve felt like I have something to prove. Over time, I’ve earned my respect, found my confidence, and realised the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I’m definitely a stronger person both physically and mentally because of doing a trade. At the start, it can be tough. Some people won’t take you seriously straight away, and gaining respect doesn’t always come easy. But those challenges force you to back yourself. You learn to walk into a space with confidence, knowing you’re just as capable as anyone else on that site, if not more. 

Stepping onto a construction site as the only woman can be nerve-racking, but those uncomfortable moments are what shape you. They build resilience, grit, and self-belief. And looking back, those hard experiences played a huge role in making me the strong woman I am today.

How do you feel about your she wear boots?  Any comments you’d like to make.

I love my she wear boots! First of all, they’re super comfortable and really durable. I’ve had my green pair for about 2–3 years now and they’re still going strong. I also love those moments when you spot another woman wearing them because they’re made for women, it instantly gives you something to chat about and creates a bit of connection on site.

I’m honestly not looking forward to the day my green ones fall apart, because you don’t make that colour anymore and I love them. I’ve even just bought the brown pair as my “business” boots. They will stay clean and only come out for special occasions.

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Follow along with Ruby's story on Instagram (click here).

Her go to workday staple? Our Achieves Women's Safety Boot.

— Ashleigh Cross
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