Why are you doing an apprenticeship as a construction technician?

Luisa Gabriela Rodriguez Restrepo is originally from Panama and started her apprenticeship as a construction technician at Implenia in August 2022. She wants to use her apprenticeship to lay the foundations for her next career steps.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship as an EBA construction technician at Implenia?
I've wanted to be an architect since I was a child. But since I haven't lived in Switzerland for long and my German wasn't good enough to start a relevant apprenticeship, I came up with the idea of applying for a job in construction. This would give me a good insight into the construction industry. I first did a one-year pre-apprenticeship at Implenia, learned the language and was now able to start my apprenticeship as a construction trainee EBA in August. I can then build on that.

What is it like for you as a woman to work in construction?
I have never been interested in the classic female professions. But I like it here in construction. It's incredibly fun to work in a team. I feel very comfortable.

Why do you think so few women still work in construction?
Maybe because many people think that you have to do the hardest work in construction on your own. But that's not the case: on the one hand there are machines in use, on the other hand we are a good team. Everyone helps each other. It's almost like a big family.

What do you particularly like about your work?
My work is varied. It never gets boring.