I’m a female crane operator — men stare at me constantly


She’s a level above the rest — literally.

Kate Fahey never intended to work in construction, but after she took a summer job on her father’s site in Ireland, she knew it was the career for her.

Now at 19, Fahey is Ireland’s youngest crane operator, choosing to spend her days 130 feet off the ground rather than going to college.

Although the high-flyer loves her job, she admits it’s tough being the youngest and only female on the team.

“People tend to undermine me,” Fahey, who is from Galway, told Caters. “There have been times where new lads have started on site and it’s like they’ve never seen a crane before with how much they stare.”

Fahey passed her qualifications in 2021 but said it’s not easy being a woman working in a male-dominated industry.

“When I was working in Dublin I came down to meet the delivery driver who looked shocked to see me and constantly asked if I was the banksman and if I was qualified,” she said. “I brushed it off as you have to have a backbone.”

Kate Fahey loves her sky-high job in construction.
Caters News Agency

Blonde woman and man standing on crane.
She admits people have doubted her skills before.
Caters News Agency

Even though she’s faced sexism on site, she loves her job and encourages anyone — male or female — interested in construction to pursue it.

“I received messages about my career, from girls and guys, because becoming a crane operator isn’t something that has a clear pathway like university or an apprenticeship, you sort of just fall into it as I did,” Fahey explained.

“My favorite thing about the job is the craic and the banter that have on-site. I love it, and you get to work with so many unique people,” the blonde gushed, fondly looking back at the first time she sat in the cab of a crane.


Mirror selfie blonde woman dressed in black.
Fahey never thought she’d end up working in construction — but loves it.
Caters News Agency

Four men and one blonde female in the middle standing on a crane.
She’s the only female on site but is proud to have inspired others to pursue a career in construction.
Caters News Agency

“The first time I climbed up the ladder for the crane, all the lads were saying how I was underestimating it and that I’ll have a panic attack when I get too high up,” the fearless teen recalled.

“I wasn’t even nervous about the height,” she quipped. “Truth be told I hadn’t even thought about it, I was just nervous about learning a new role but once I got up there and saw the view I was blown away. I’ve loved it ever since.”

Fahey said she’s been in touch with those who messaged her, inspired by her career choice.

“I’ve not heard back from all of them but I know two are now qualified so it’s lovely to feel like I’ve inspired some people,” she said.

“To anyone, girls and boys, if you truly have an interest in construction then I’d always urge you to go for it.”



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