Heidi Orchard

Heidi Orchard - no ordinary tiler

Becoming an accomplished tiler with many awards attached to her name wasnt an easy path for Heidi Orchard. She soon discovered that, as a female, securing work in this male dominated field was difficult. Despite experience in mosaics and leadlighting, she discovered employers would not even read her resume any further than her name! Through hard work and determination, she made contact with FC Walkers and Co who decided to take her on; and neither Walkers nor Heidi has looked back since.

Heidi has thrown herself into her work and studies to prove herself in a male dominated industry. She says, I believe that I carry out my work to a standard that is as high as, if not better than, my male colleagues. Her efforts have been rewarded with many prestigious awards, which include:

• Holmesglen Tiling Apprentice of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and a nomination for Apprentice of the Year at Holmesglen again this year
• A Certificate of Merit from the Master Builders Association in 2007 and 2008, and this year a Certificate of Merit for Best Overall Apprentice (Wall and Floor Tiling), Best 3^rd Year Apprentice (Wall and Floor Tiling) and Apprentice of the Year (Wall and Floor Tiling)
• 2008 NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Apprentice Tradesperson.

Holmesglen has been equally impressed with her ability and commitment, and nominated Heidi for Student of the Year in the State Training Awards, the highest award in the vocational education sector, to be announced later this year. Heidi says of her time at Holmesglen, I largely credit my training for the development of my ability as a tiler and the confidence it has given me to complete difficult and challenging tasks.