Developing strategies to encourage women and girls to undertake and complete training in trades, the Saint Yon Training Centre at LaSalle Catholic College in Bankstown, recently hosted a ‘Girls in Trade’ day.
With women plumbers, electricians and builders as guest speakers, students were able to hear stories of how they built their careers from studying a VET trade course at school and gaining valuable work experience that led to full-time apprenticeship positions, to team leading and now management.
The Year 9 and 10 girls enjoyed hands-on activities in a specifically designed workshop showing them how to set up a two-way electrical wiring system.
“The students were able to test their lighting and get mentored by the experts,” Training Centre Head Margaret Phillips said.
Student Isabella Silvera said: “I loved the Girls in Trade day and found it really interesting and loved the Electrotechnology hands-on workshop.”
Student Brigid Fenukitau said: “It was a good experience as it was a great eye opener for different career paths. The trade ladies were very helpful.”
Student Lia Catarino said: “The Girls Trade day was a great learning experience in which I learnt the many possibilities of trade careers for women.”
Student Jamie Bouzianis said: “I had the opportunity to ask female tradies about various trades … the overall experience was amazing as it opened my eyes to future possibilities.”
For more info, contact Mrs Phillips on 9793 5600.
