Spotlight on technical trades

Lisa Bell, Sprinkler Fitter, AESM

Lisa is a Sprinkler Fitter with BGIS, working across Melbourne’s west and north. She began her career after responding to an ad in the newspaper for a women-in-plumbing program in Brisbane and has now been in the fire protection industry for over a decade, including more than two years with BGIS.

Lisa holds a Certificate III in Fire Protection and various other tickets including Working at Heights. She specialises in inspection and testing of sprinkler systems across industrial warehouses, high-rise residential buildings, retirement homes and disability support homes.

She enjoys the variety in her role and the constant learning and problem-solving that comes with it. “Every day is different,” she says. “There’s always something new to figure out.” Lisa also appreciates the strong team culture at BGIS, where experienced colleagues are always available to offer advice and support. She notes that BGIS is proactive in providing access to training and additional tickets when needed, making it easy to upskill and grow within the role.

Lisa speaks highly of BGIS as a supportive environment for women in trades, with other female technicians on the team and a newly onboarded female sprinkler apprentice. While she faced challenges early in her career, particularly in construction, she encourages young women not to be discouraged. “It wasn’t easy at the start, but I’m glad I stuck with it,” she says. “If it’s what you want to do, just go for it.”

Karen Kristensen, Fire Testing Technician, AESM

Karen is a Fire Testing Technician based in Victoria who has been with BGIS for two years. With no prior formal qualifications, she has built her expertise through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.

Coming from a background in non-trade jobs, Karen was drawn to the meaningful nature of fire safety in keeping people safe and contributing to something she can be proud of. Her work spans aged care and disability support facilities, high profile apartment buildings and shopping centres in Melbourne’s CBD, and high-risk industrial warehouses.

Karen regularly works with clients such as VMCH and Mind Australia, conducting annual fire safety testing. These inspections often involve direct interaction with aged care and disability support residents, where she takes care to minimise disruption and communicate clearly.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Karen has felt well-supported by her team and management. “Everyone is really lovely,” she says. “BGIS has been really good, they’re always keen to offer more training and have given me opportunities to try different things and let them know what direction I want to head in.”

Karen is currently undertaking ongoing training to progress toward her gas panel tester licence, allowing her to undertake high risk works.