Bethany Mercieca: Sustainable Builder & Women in Trades Advocate
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Mercieca, a renowned carpenter from the Blue Mountains, Sydney. Known for her work with Blue Eco Homes, Bethany shares her unique journey from the film and TV industry as a makeup artist to becoming a sustainable builder.
Driven by a desire for a more stable and rewarding career, Bethany joined her parents' construction business, where she specializes in sustainable building practices. She emphasizes the importance of constructing passive homes—highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly dwellings. Key principles include air tightness, high-performance windows, and efficient ventilation systems, all aimed at creating comfortable and sustainable living spaces.
A significant highlight of our conversation is Bethany's achievement of winning the HIA Apprentice of the Year award, making her the first female to receive this honor. She shares her excitement and the impact of this recognition on her career, as well as her dedication to inspiring other non-traditionals in the construction industry.
"I always had sawdust in my veins."
Bethany emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and finding mentors and support networks to navigate the challenges of working in a male-dominated field. She also discusses the future of sustainable building practices and the ongoing efforts to improve industry standards through policy changes and education.
Her enthusiasm for her work and commitment to promoting sustainability and diversity in construction make this an inspiring and informative discussion.
Listen to the Episode
Smoko Podcast: Bethany Mercieca on Spotify