Campbelltown Performing Arts High School student Belinda Calderon says the Girls Can Too program helped boost her confidence.
Belinda is participating in a new TAFE program that encourages local female high school students to get a taste of what an automotive career is like.
Forecasted growth in the industry over the next five years prompted the establishment of the Girls Can Too program as part of the Youth Engagement Strategy at TAFE Campbelltown.
Female students from 10 high schools across the Macarthur region are participating in the program.
“It’s been great to meet so many other female students who share the same interest as me,” says Belinda Calderon.
“The program has allowed me to be out and doing something different, something I thought I’d never have the opportunity to do.”
Participating students will gain hands-on skills in automotive repair, paint and panel beating.
They will also get to hear from former female TAFE NSW students who have gone on to pursue a career in a trade.
Despite the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Australian automotive industry is forecast to grow over the next five years, employing more than 287,000 people by 2025.
TAFE NSW head teacher in paint and panel, Terry Teremoana, said the program was designed to empower young women to explore a career in trades.
“TAFE NSW has seen some great female alumni forge successful careers as mechanics, construction workers and panel beaters and this program is very much about opening up opportunities for female high school students to explore trades courses,” Mr Teremoana said.
“We are proud to equip students with practical skills and experience so they’re ready to hit the ground running in their chosen field.”
To explore the automotive courses on offer visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.
