Pink Sparky founder Amy FitzPatrick was honoured with the Outstanding Leader of the Year Award at the 2024 National Association of Women in Construction Awards, which took place in Wellington last night.
The Outstanding Leader of the Year award is presented to women who have used their influence and positions of authority to positively impact the lives of others.
Amy FitzPatrick was recognised by the judges for her role as a leader who motivates and inspires her team and colleagues, ardently advocates for increased female representation in the construction industry, and actively supports women in excelling in their careers. She says being a role model means leading by example with integrity, dedication, and commitment to doing your best.
"Mentorship is so important to me, and motivating others to advance and grow in their careers is hugely rewarding and satisfying,” Amy says.
"I make an effort to actively participate in activities beyond our workplace to create more opportunities for other women in the construction industry. I love my job, so for me, it’s about improving the environment for women in the building, construction, and infrastructure sectors so they can flourish and get the same fulfilment I get out of my job," she explained.
Amy began her career as an electrician more than twenty years ago and has often been the only woman on a construction site. Despite the countless reasons why it's a great profession for women, she has had to overcome challenges to prove herself in her field.
After attending Cambridge High School, she became interested in electrical engineering and sought out a local electrician for an apprenticeship. Initially rejected, she persisted and requested work experience to demonstrate her abilities. Eventually, she secured an apprenticeship and completed her theoretical and on-site training to become qualified.
In 2016, Amy recognised the need for more women in the electrical trade and founded her business, Pink Sparky. Based between Hamilton and Cambridge in Matangi, and serving the broader Waikato region, the business has become a training hub for young and talented tradeswomen and Amy has supported numerous women through their apprenticeship.
"As a team, we take huge pride in our work, and quality is our top priority. We love what we do, there is great camaraderie on site. The team also love the variety and being able to work across different locations, and on rural, residential, commercial, and industrial projects," she says.
The judges acknowledged that it was a rigorous judging process with 242 nominations across 12 categories, and a high calibre of finalists.
NAWIC members work in a range of different roles, including quantity surveyors, project managers, planners, designers, architects, engineers, tradespeople, students, apprentices, health and safety managers, and lawyers, among others.
The 2024 NAWIC Excellence Awards, delivered in partnership with Naylor Love, provide a platform to honour and showcase some of New Zealand's most talented women in the construction, building, and infrastructure industries.
