Carpentry

Meg Moffat

BCITO Sport Athlete

Building a Future On and Off the Field: Meg’s Journey in Cricket and Carpentry

Balancing elite sport with a full-time trade is no small task. For Meg, a representative cricketer and second-year carpentry apprentice, it’s a challenge she has embraced head-on - and one that’s shaping her into a standout athlete, apprentice, and teammate.

Supported by Trent Builders, Burnside Cricket Club, and the North West Women's Cricket Club, Meg’s story is a powerful example of how sport and trades can work together to build strong futures.

Meg Moffat 2

Growing on Site: An Employer’s Perspective

From the building site, Meg’s development over the past two years has been clear. According to her employer, she has steadily built a strong technical knowledge base and is now adding the speed and accuracy required to become a highly capable carpenter.

At Trent Builders, teamwork is everything — and Meg fits that culture naturally.

“With Meg’s sporting background, she understands what it means to work toward a shared goal. She turns up every day ready to contribute and does so with a positive attitude.”

Balancing a demanding training and competition schedule alongside a physical job is no easy feat, but Meg’s employer highlights her resilience and maturity. Clear communication, forward planning, and professionalism ensure her cricket commitments never disrupt her responsibilities on site.

That balance, they say, is exactly why athlete apprentices add so much value.

“Athletes like Meg bring discipline, time-management, and pride into the workplace. Supporting a BCITO Sport apprentice isn’t just good for them — it’s an investment in your business culture.”

Looking ahead, Trent Builders see Meg continuing to grow into a confident, skilled carpenter with a strong future in the industry.

Meg Moffat 3

Rising Through the Ranks: A Cricket Club’s View

Meg joined North West Women’s Cricket Club in 2021, arriving as a talented bowler and powerful lower-order batter with infectious energy in the field. Since then, her growth has been rapid.

Coaches describe her as a player who has developed strong “cricket smarts” - learning how to build bowling plans, adapt under pressure, and execute multiple delivery types consistently.

Her selection for Canterbury Under-19s was a proud moment for the club and a reward for years of commitment. That achievement was followed by another major milestone: representing New Zealand at the NZ Indoor Cricket Under-22 World Cup.

“Very few players manage the physical and mental load of full-time building work while training and competing at this level. Meg’s commitment is exceptional.”

As a leader by action, Meg sets the standard for younger players coming through the programme - showing what’s possible with hard work, resilience, and support.


Meg’s Voice: Life as an Athlete Apprentice

For Meg, balance comes down to two key things: organisation and sleep.

Early starts on site, evening trainings, and weekend matches require structure. Simple habits - like preparing meals the night before and prioritising rest - make a big difference.

“The little things reduce stress and help me stay on top of everything.”

Working in carpentry has sharpened skills that translate directly to cricket: focus, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to stay mentally switched on for long periods. At the same time, being on the tools offers a mental reset from the pressures of competition.

The toughest part? The physical load.

“Bowling and building are both demanding. Learning to listen to my body has been huge.”

Despite the challenges, Meg thrives on the lifestyle — staying active, learning constantly, and pushing herself in both arenas.

Looking Ahead

Meg sees both carpentry and cricket as part of her future. She loves her trade and can see herself building a long-term career, while remaining open to cricket opportunities if they arise.

Her message to other young female athletes is clear:

“Going into a trade can feel daunting, but I couldn’t recommend it more. You gain skills for life, grow as a person, and realise there’s more to you than just sport.”

Why This Matters

Meg’s journey shows what’s possible when employers, clubs, and training organisations work together. Supporting athlete apprentices doesn’t just produce better tradespeople or better athletes — it builds resilient, motivated young people ready to succeed wherever their path leads.

If you’re an employer, club, or young athlete considering a similar pathway, Meg’s story proves that you don’t have to choose — you can do both.