Macarthur group training organisation, My Gateway, has announced a push to increase the number of women in non-traditional trades over the next 12 months.
My Gateway currently employ women across a variety of trades, including bricklaying, civil construction, electrical, engineering, heavy vehicle and horticulture.
But in the lead-up to International Women’s Day, My Gateway say they want to increase overall female apprentice numbers in 2019 as part of a new initiative called Ladies Can Be Tradies.
“It’s important to encourage young women to follow the careers paths they are interested in,’’ says Shelley Bullock, the chief executive officer of My Gateway.
“We want My Gateway to be the link to help them feel comfortable and confident in a trade,” Ms Bullock said.
Push on for more women in trades: Helena Aroutsidis is a My Gateway plant mechanic apprentice for Wollondilly Shire Council.
The Ladies Can Be Tradies initiative will also focus on increasing awareness of the challenges women can face when working in trade industries and the support that is available for them.
My Gateway will also tap into its school networks to educate and encourage young women to follow trade pathways.
“While the initiative is about increasing overall apprentice numbers, it is also an opportunity to create awareness and educate young women, parents and employers that women are valuable and important employees in trades,” says Denise McGrath, a board member of My Gateway and the chief executive officer of the Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation.
To learn more about My Gateway’s apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities, call 1800 993 200 or go online and visit mygateway.org.au
