Igniting a passion for women to pursue careers in electrical trades was the focus of a pre-apprenticeship program TAFE NSW delivered during May in partnership with Transgrid.
TAFE NSW Belmont is now working to raise the rate of females working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers through its female targeted pre-apprenticeship programs.
The figure currently sits at 36% for females in the STEM workforce.
Fourteen women took part in the most recent program, receiving hands-on electrical training and a behind the scenes tour of Vales Point power station, which gave them insight into the various career options in the industry.
Teacher of Electrotechnology, Richelle Gregory worked in the industry for 27 years.
Richelle said she aims to inspire women to consider a career in the trade because the industry served her so well and there are vast opportunities for women who are qualified.
“TAFE NSW students received training in work health and safety, hand tools and basic wiring, which gave them insight into what a day in the life of an electrical trade looks like,” Richelle said.
“Many of the women who participated are now looking to pursue further study at TAFE NSW in both electrotechnology and telecommunication certificates.”
Maya Boeren participated in the program last month and now plans to enrol in a Certificate III of Telecommunications Technology mid this year.
The Certificate will equip Maya to install and troubleshoot telecommunications equipment and gain customer service skills for a highly valued industry.
Maya currently works in administration and is ready for a more stable career with wider opportunities.
“I found the pre-apprenticeship program highly valuable in giving me a taster of the telecommunications industry and I now know it’s the career I’d like to pursue. Demand for skilled tradespeople is high so the timing is right for me to get qualified,” Maya said.
Transgrid Apprentice Lead, Kailee Standen said the pre-apprenticeship program has given the participants a head start to find out what working in a trade will be like and may be the start of many careers.
“Women represent only one per cent of the trades in construction and engineering. There is a whole talent pool not being accessed, because of historical barriers and a lack of opportunities for women to consider a trade as a career,” Kailee said.
“At Transgrid we want to enable a diverse workplace and by offering the female-only pre-apprenticeship we hope to further remove barriers that exist for female participation.”
IMAGE | TAFE NSW x Transgrid pre-apprenticeship program participants.
