Now the final-year building apprentice has formed "Constructing Community", an initiative to help women in trades connect, and encourage others to explore getting involved in the industry.
"I felt quite alone as a woman, and I didn’t know any other — tradie ladies— so I’ve always thought it would be great to have a workshop and get some girls together and get them involved."
New to the industry, she wanted to wait until she felt "more qualified" before starting anything. However, that changed this year and Miss Cook launched Six Weeks of Trade Talks, a series of talks from women in trades.
"This year I just felt ready, so I went ahead and made a little group for everyone to come and support each other, talk about their work and their struggles and learn about tools, [and] get some new girls into the trades.
"We had a qualified trade lady from our community come along from different trades and speak about their work, what they do, how to get into their work, what they like about it, what they don’t like."
Attendees then worked on a building a tool box, gaining practical skills with the tools.
The series wrapped up with a brunch and plans for a monthly meet-up are in the pipeline.
New Zealand Structurally Insulated Panels (NZSIP) production operator Kim Birtles attended the trade talks and found them to be a useful addition to her knowledge of the industry.
"The speakers showed you the pathways and steps to do different things to get into different parts of the industry."
Connection with other women in trades was a key element for people staying in the industry, she said.
"These types of things are really important, just to have that connection."
