1 minute read
The world is changing
from The Adviser 1671
by The Adviser
By Natasha Fujimoto
PROGRESS is impossible without change, but when it is afoot it breathes in nothing but opportunity and future possibility.
Advertisement
With 11 of the top 20 skill shortages across the nation being in the trades, incentivised employers are attracting more female apprentices to the industry than ever before, recognising as they do so the additional skill set and qualities that young women bring to the job.
Proudly supporting Women in Trades Day by organising an immersive trades program for 15 Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) students, Goulburn Murray Local Learning Employment Network (GMLLEN) kicked off a series of handson immersive visits to local trade businesses on Friday, July 14.
continued from front page
WITH La Trobe, there’s no need to wait until next year to start studying – midyear applications are open for the Bachelor of Education and the Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary). With full-time and parttime study options available and an outstanding campus right here in Shepparton, students have the flexibility they need.
Not sure what level you want to teach? Explore early childhood, primary and secondary in your first year of the Bachelor of Education before choosing which to pursue in your second year. New teachers can discover their best fit before they commit.
For more information or to apply, visit latrobe.edu.au.
Getting on plasterer stilts and having a go at building switchboards, the 15 GSSC students toured Total Plaster Supplies and Watters Electrical as part of the program where they enjoyed rotating activities at each as a mere ‘taster’ to a possible life and career working in a trade.
To conclude the program the girls will head to GOTAFE on Friday, July 21 to meet with industry experienced, female trainers to round out their experience.
“This is the first girl orientated try a trade program that we’ve done, specifically targeting year nine girls,” said GMLLEN executive officer, Bec Costa-Lowe watching a group of students enjoy the challenge of walking on plasterers' stilts at Total Plaster Supplies.
“We are working with the girls to grow a greater understanding and awareness of where the opportunities in trades are before they step into their year ten work experience subject selection.
“Having women in a trades program such as this gives the girls the freedom to feel comfortable trying out new skills and hopefully this will transition into apprenticeships later on down the track.”
Considering construction and engineering as future career path, 14-year-old Vera Asante said of the taster, “I’m so glad and happy for schools to be doing things like women in trades because it’s really enjoyable.
“In the future, I think there is going to be a lot more girls in trades, engineering and STEM. And I think there’s probably going to be a lot more boys entering into traditional female dominated roles as well. The world is definitely changing.”