Timber iQ August - September 2017 // Issue: 33 | Page 40

FEATURES ESRE WICHMANN, TESCON ROOF CONSTRUCTION – ROOF INSPECTOR 1. WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? We specialise in the erection of timber roof structures and roof coverings from concrete roof tiles to sheeted roofs on domestic housing to industrial buildings. We also specialise in the repair and renovation of existing roof structures. 2. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE TIMBER INDUSTRY? I grew up in a family that was in the building industry since 1968. After school, I started working with my father in his roof construction company in Gauteng and gained a lot of experience. I also completed, through International Truss Systems, the ITC Estimator and Designer course and obtained a certificate of competence as a Certified Roof Erector. 3. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY? I was born in the industry. When we relocated to Bloemfontein I considered other career options but, as a single mother who must provide for my two children, I could find nothing else that could give me the same income and job satisfaction as the roof construction industry. 4. WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES OF GETTING INTO THE INDUSTRY? Working with my father I never experienced any challenges as he was an experienced and reputable roof erector. When I relocated to Bloemfontein it was a different scenario. At that stage, there were only men in the industry and it was quite difficult to enter their world. Most people didn’t believe that a woman can do a ‘man’s’ job. Esre Wichmann hard at work at a building site. Image: Wene Wichmann 7. HOW DO MALE COLLEAGUES REACT TOWARDS YOU? Although the competition factor will always be there, I never really experienced any problems working with my male colleagues. 8. WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING DURING DIFFICULT TIMES? I love my work and, my responsibility as a single mother to provide for my family, keeps me motivated all the time. I also must mention that without the help of God I will never survive. 9. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY? I am really excited about the future. There are so many things I want to do to take my business to the 5. HOW ACCOMMODATING WAS THE INDUSTRY WHEN next level. I see a big need for more hands-on YOU STARTED? training and empowerment of workers in the It was difficult to enter the industry but, we build up industry. a reputation and slowly but surely the situation changed for the better. 10. ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN ASPIRING TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY? 6. AS THE OWNER OF A TIMBER COMPANY, WHAT ARE From my experience, the whole world is changing. If THE REACTIONS OF SOME OF THE CLIENTS you have the knowledge and deliver a good TOWARDS YOU AND YOUR COMPANY? standard of work there will be no stumbling blocks We have had very few bad experiences and just because you are a woman. reactions and have a big data base of happy clients. NOW LAUNCHING, THE SA ROOFING & INSULATION DIRECTORY IS THE NEXT HIT YOU NEED TO BE A PART OF… NEW!!! AN INDUSTRY FIRST On the back of the success of SA Roofing, we are pleased to announce the launch of our first ever annual SA Roofing & Insulation Directory that will be published in December 2017, and distributed in January 2018. PRINT D I G I TA L ONLINE 38 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 // If you are involved in roofing or insulation or both, this opportunity is for you. The question now is, can you afford NOT to be featured in the SA ROOFING & INSULATION DIRECTORY 2018? CALL US NOW ON: [phone] OR EMAIL US: [email protected]