When people think about who builds Generation Homes, they don't always picture young women working on plumbing and drainage infrastructure.
But that's exactly what Mia (21) and Sophie (19) are doing on a Generation Homes Auckland retirement village development.
Working for Laser Plumbing East Tamaki, the pair are building careers in the trades while helping create homes and communities that will serve New Zealanders for years to come.
For Mia, now in the third year of her plumbing and gasfitting apprenticeship and already a qualified drainlayer, the trades offered an alternative to university.
"I wanted to be outside doing something practical," she says.
In fact, her parents still remind her that Bob the Builder was her favourite TV show growing up.
For Sophie, who is five months into her apprenticeship, the journey began after completing work experience with a plumber.
"I really enjoyed it and knew it was something I wanted to do."
Today, both are developing skills across plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting while gaining valuable hands-on experience on site.
Ask Mia and Sophie about the biggest myth people have about plumbing and they both laugh.
"Everyone thinks we play with poo all day."
The reality, they say, is far more varied.
From installing water and drainage systems to solving problems and working with specialised tools, no two days are ever the same.
One of the biggest surprises for Mia was discovering just how important the trade is to everyday life.
"We make sure people have clean drinking water and hot showers. We're helping keep communities healthy."
On a site that can have more than 50 tradespeople working at any one time, Mia and Sophie are often the only women there.
Despite working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, both say they've had a positive experience and have always felt supported by their team.
They're also passionate about encouraging more young women to consider a career in the trades.
Mia regularly receives messages from girls asking what it's really like working in the industry and how to get started.
Her advice is simple:
"Just go for it. If you enjoy working with your hands, being practical and learning new skills, you'll love it."
Sophie agrees.
"Don't be scared to give it a go. You don't know if you'll enjoy it until you try."
Working on Generation Homes developments has given both apprentices a real appreciation for the care, planning and teamwork that goes into every home.
While they're proud of the skills they're developing, the most rewarding part comes after the job is finished.
"When I drive past a house I've worked on and see people living in it, it's the best feeling," says Mia.
Sophie feels the same sense of pride.
"I love driving past and saying, 'I worked on that house.'"
At Generation Homes, we're proud to work alongside trade partners like Laser Plumbing East Tamaki, who are helping develop the next generation of skilled professionals.
Mia and Sophie are proof that there are many pathways into a rewarding career, and they hope their stories encourage more young women to consider a future in the trades. As New Zealand continues to grow, the industry needs skilled people from all backgrounds, and the future is looking bright.