Media releases

Years 9 and 10 girls from high schools across Ballarat and the Central Highlands region got valuable hands-on experience in Federation TAFE’s trade space at the Girls Try-A-Trade Day on Friday 4 November.

Students considering a career in the trade industry took part in fun and practical ‘taster’ activities and had the chance to speak with TAFE teachers, industry partners, current apprentices, and women in trades, to learn what to expect from an apprenticeship and about possible future career pathways.

With women still vastly underrepresented in traditionally male-dominated industries and a lack of trade careers information given to girls cited as a major barrier for women aspiring to enter a skilled trade, Girls Try-A-Trade Day illustrated Federation TAFE’s support and encouragement of the next generation of women in trade.

Students rotated through 30 minute ‘taster’ activities related to automotive, carpentry, engineering, cabinet making, bricklaying, plumbing and other courses, as they tried their hand at changing tyres, subfloor plumbing, simulated welding, using a nail gun, navigating a car engine and more, before touring the Federation TAFE facilities and enjoying a BBQ lunch.

Over 80 students from nine schools; Ararat College, Bacchus Marsh College, Ballarat High School, Ballarat Specialist School, Daylesford College, Mount Clear College, Mount Rowan Secondary College, Phoenix P-12 Community College, and Woodman’s Hill Secondary College, were in attendance.

Quote attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan

“Federation TAFE is doing everything it can to ensure that our industries reflect society while encouraging greater inclusivity. Last Friday's event was a brilliant opportunity for young women to try-a-trade and explore a non-traditional career path.”
 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Head of Centre for Design and Construction, Sharyn Wright

“It is so important to engage our young women early by introducing them to trade career pathways.” 

“It is wonderful to have year 9 and 10 students here experiencing a snapshot of what we offer at Federation TAFE.  I hope to see many of them come back as students and/or apprentices over the next few years.”
 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Program Manager, Design and Construction, Hayden Eberle

“Attitudes have changed and the building and construction sector is no longer the ‘boys-club’ of the past. However, a massive gender-gap still exists with women comprising only three per cent of tradespeople.”

“Events like this demonstrate that trades are a great career path for women; and that they are the future of the industry.”