Smashing stereotypes and 'kicking arse': The women leading part of Hawke's Bay Airport's redevelopment

Nicola Hodson is leading the team from Falcon including Sam Hutton (centre) and Paige Moore who are working at the airport. Photo / Warren Buckland

A group of women working on Hawke's Bay Airport's multi-million dollar redevelopment are "kicking arse" and smashing tired stereotypes as they wire up the terminal.

Nicola Hodson, 21, heads the team of electricians alongside security department team lead Katie Pinfold who is in charge of the data infrastructure component of the project.

At the peak of work on the redevelopment, there has been about 10 people from Falcon Electrical working on the airport, four of whom are young women, Pinfold said.

Hodson started an apprenticeship at 17 as she wanted a job that was hands on.

This year she has been running the third stage of Falcon's work at Hawke's Bay Airport.

It's an industry where "there's not that many females".

"It has its moments; people think you can't do stuff because you're a female so I'm glad to have this opportunity to prove that I can, especially with how young that I am."

While it wasn't intentional for Falcon to have a full team of women lead a large project like this, management has been encouraging.

Falcon project manager Dartell Whaanga credits Hodson's quick rise to leadership to her attitude and hard work.

"Her work ethic is second to none and she has come a very long way since the start of this project.

"She was a fantastic apprentice and it's great to know that she will finish this project as a fully qualified electrician."

Pinfold says in terms of being a male-dominated industry "it is a lot better than it used to be".

"When I first started working in electrical, I was 16 and so it was pretty daunting then but now it is actually really good.

"At Falcon the guys don't point it out, it's a very equal opportunity workforce."

Pinfold recommends the job to other women saying females in the industry "are kicking arse".

"In general, we find that women doing electrical work, they take the time, they get things nice and tidy, they go above and beyond, there's another level of care involved."

Falcon general manager Mark Phillips said women make up about 13 per cent of the company.

"Female participation in the trades remains low on average where only 2 per cent of electrical apprentices are female.

"We believe a career in trades is open to anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or any other criteria. We encourage other employers to remain open-minded too."