We were so pleased with the success of our Building Her Future: Women in Trades event on Tuesday, that we are now planning to make it an annual event!
A great crowd of students and parents turned out on a chilly winter’s evening to learn more about the opportunities for young women within the trades. “We were thrilled with the great turn-out from our school community,” says organiser Gemma James from Westlake’s Career Department.
The evening began with talks from plumber Kellie Hinton (pictured at left) and electrician Tori Colonna (on the right), which was followed by a panel discussion by eight female apprentices/workers from a range of trades including building, mechanical engineering, panel beating, electrical, plumbing, landscaping and line mechanic.
Attendees then had the opportunity to tour workshops hosted by representatives from the eight trades, which each featured the apprentice, an employer and a training provider. There were hands-on opporunities to test out skills, and the chance to ask questions about various career paths.
“By hosting a Trades event at a girls school we were able to actively challenge the stereotypes that are often attached to the trades,” says Gemma. “We were impressed by the number of junior students who are already thinking about pathways beyond school, and open to new ideas.” She said the evening had attracted positive feedback, from both attendees and participants. “It was incredibly empowering to see other young women thrive in industries I hadn’t considered before,” says one student.
And from a parent: “It was so refreshing to see such eloquent and successful women in the trades and we both felt really excited at the opportunities out there. She is now seriously considering construction or being an electrician. As such it’s made her think about her subjects for next year and has given her some direction.”
Gemma says WGHS will definitely hold the evening again, and is looking forward to building on the success of this first trades event.
