"I'm a female builder in a male-dominated trade''

A female builder is defying gender norms in a male-dominated industry.

Heather Walker, 26, joined the family trade at the age of 22 after struggling to find work as a personal trainer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What was meant to be a short-term job has turned into four years of hard work and growth following in the footsteps of five generations before her.

Heather works alongside her father John Walker, 57, the director of TV Nix Builders, a company established in 1925 by her great-great-grandfather.

Heather began as a labourer under her father’s guidance, learning the ropes by fetching tools and watching him work.