{"id":284025,"date":"2025-07-29T16:52:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T07:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peer.com.au\/?p=284025"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:03:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T07:33:02","slug":"peer-ambassador-isabella-lavista-featured-in-master-builders-sa-hiviz-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peer.com.au\/peer-ambassador-isabella-lavista-featured-in-master-builders-sa-hiviz-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"PEER Ambassador Isabella LaVista Featured in Master Builders SA HiViZ Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We\u2019re thrilled to share that PEER electrical apprentice and Ambassador, Isabella LaVista, has been featured in the latest HiViZ newsletter by Master Builders SA. In this inspiring interview, Isabella shares her journey into the trades, how she\u2019s breaking down barriers for women in construction, and what motivates her to succeed.<\/p>\n

As a PEER Ambassador, Isabella plays a key role in promoting trade careers to young people, particularly women, through school visits, public speaking, and mentoring. Her passion for the industry and her commitment to helping others make her a standout role model in the VET sector.<\/p>\n

Read her full story below.<\/p>\n

Source:<\/strong> Master Builders SA HiViZ Interview \u2013 Isabella Lavista<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How to Be Rising Star and Tradeswoman of the Year<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”50px||20px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”50px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”50px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”24vh||24vh||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”12vh||12vh||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ module_class=”vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]You said that being a tradie was something you\u2019ve always wanted to do since you were a kid. Has it lived up to your early expectations? In what way?[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

“As a kid obviously you don\u2019t know the ins and outs of a job and what it\u2019s really like to work full time, but I knew I wanted to do a trade it because it looked fun and I loved the idea of being able to build something and see a project from start to end and solve problems along the way. So, in that sense absolutely it has lived up to my expectations. I get have a lot of fun at work with the people I work with every day. The feeling of finishing a large commercial job and seeing months to years of work and problem solving come together at the end is really satisfying.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/peer.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/unnamed-2.jpg” background_size=”contain” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding_tablet=”20vw||20vw||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”34vw||34vw||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_size_tablet=”custom” background_size_phone=”cover” background_position_tablet=”top_left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”50px||30px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Tell us about your favourite moment at work \u2013 it may be a job well done, feedback from a manager or a home\/business owner\u2026[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n

“My favourite moment at work was towards the end of my first year, I was running cables for damper actuators with my supervisor, Chris Errington, when he turned to me and said he\u2019d put his nomination in for me as PEER apprentice of the year. He explained that he was impressed with my work ethic that he enjoyed working with me as I had a positive attitude and a drive that he hadn\u2019t seen in many young workers. As a first year, I felt validated and proud of my work, as I was still learning and had a lot of self-doubt about whether I was doing a good job at work. This motivated me to work harder as I realised how much more I could accomplish if I put my mind to it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Receiving feedback from someone you respect and look up to at work is validating and as women we are emotional creatures, we like to hear it and feel it. Whilst my male colleagues show their appreciation in playful jokes, hearing the words resounded with me more. I don\u2019t feel what I do is extra, I just show up, do the job I\u2019m told to do and do my best, but from what I\u2019m learning there are lots of people out there that do the bare minimum.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”20px||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”24vh||24vh||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”12vh||12vh||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/peer.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/unnamed-1.jpg” custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”46vw||46vw||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”44vw||44vw||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]What is the single most important thing you can tell girls or women who may be considering an apprenticeship?[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

“That a job in trade is not a just man’s job and that it is a job like any other that anyone regardless of gender can do. Girls make wonderful tradies and men and women work really well as a team. We think in different ways to each other and therefore there is a larger variety of skills and strengths in a mixed gender work environment. I\u2019d also say that trade jobs are incredibly rewarding because they give you a real sense of accomplishment when a task is completed. In construction, the work is often tied to set timeframes, so that sense of achievement comes more frequently. Unlike many other industries, you can actually see the tangible results of your efforts\u2014which makes the work even more satisfying.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How does it feel to be the recipient of not one, but two, HiViz Women in Construction Awards in 2025?<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

“It feels truly amazing to be seen and recognised for my hard work and efforts by the people who I look up to in the industry. At the HiViz Awards ceremony, I was overwhelmed with respect and awe for the inspirational women I was able to meet and speak to at the event. I felt extremely privileged and proud to be able to stand up on stage in front of such strong and amazing people with the same passion that I have.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Are you comfortable with being a role model for others thinking of doing a trade?<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n

“Absolutely. I strongly believe that if I can help others feel comfortable doing a trade by sharing my experience and being someone, they can relate to, then I am being the person in someone else\u2019s life that I wish I had when I was considering becoming an apprentice. You can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see<\/strong>, and I want to be seen by young girls and women so they know they can do a trade too.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Closing statement from Isabella;<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n

“I never planned to enter a trade; I was scared I\u2019d be treated badly. I\u2019m not treated badly but I am treated differently, just for being a woman. While more doors are opening for women in construction, the real change needs to happen on-site, with the men we work beside every day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m constantly asked what it\u2019s like to work in a male-dominated industry and honestly, I\u2019m over it. Especially when it comes from men. What I\u2019d rather see is more awareness around how to build better team dynamics, treat people fairly, and recognise the strengths women bring to the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Management often gets it, but the biggest culture shift needs to happen on the job sites. That\u2019s where the outdated attitudes linger, and that\u2019s where change matters most.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.4em” link_font=”||||on||||” quote_font=”||on||||||” quote_font_size=”20px” quote_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Interviewer: Tahlia Cross – HiViZ Committee Member<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re thrilled to share that PEER electrical apprentice and Ambassador, Isabella LaVista, has been featured in the latest HiViZ newsletter by Master Builders SA. In this inspiring interview, Isabella shares her journey into the trades, how she\u2019s breaking down barriers for women in construction, and what motivates her to succeed. As a PEER Ambassador, Isabella […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":284045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"If you have a plumbing, electrical or refrigeration apprentice, you need to know this.<\/b>\r\n\r\nThe Certificate III qualifications are changing; this means that your apprentice will need to be transitioned across to the new qualification. Not only will your apprentice learn about the latest changes in technology, industry practices and licensing, PEER will make sure you are ready to go with this new transition.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhat does this mean for your apprentice?<\/b>\r\n