Louise Azzopardi has a message for any young woman thinking of embarking on a career in a traditionally male domain like trades.
“If that’s what you want to do, just do it and don’t let anything or anyone stop you,’’ she says.
“If you work hard and you’re good at your job, that’s all that matters,’’ says Ms Azzopardi, a qualified heavy vehicle mechanic.
A WesTrac trainer and assessor at NSW Institute since March this year as part of career progression, Ms Azzopardi will be a guest speaker at a Women in Trades student info night on August 14 at Wests Leagues Leumeah.
The event is aimed at female students in high school, their parents and guardians, as well as teachers and careers advisors.
My Gateway and the NSW Department of Education are hosting the night to raise further awareness of women working in traditionally male dominated trades and to inspire female students who attend to follow their dreams of a trade pathway.
The event will provide a chance to hear from women who have achieved success in their trades like Louise Azzopardi and from other industry experts on how to follow these pathways.
“Attendees will hear from women who have achieved success in non-traditional trades and get the chance to talk with other industry experts on what opportunities and support are available to follow a trade pathway,” says Shelley Bullock, the CEO of My Gateway.
“We hope that this night can inspire the next generation of tradeswomen and encourage young women to follow the pathway they want,” Ms Bullock said.
Which will also be the message from guest speakers like Ms Azzopardi, who decided to become a mechanic in 2012 when she was in Year 10.
“Growing up in a farm riding bikes I loved helping dad fix them and that’s where my interest came from to become a mechanic,’’ she says.
“I just loved it getting an apprenticeship and had few issues with the boys; the vast majority of them are great towards you.
“As more and more women get into these trades the easier it gets for those who come after them,’’ Ms Azzopardi tells the South West Voice in Macarthur.
As well as guest speakers there will also be a video shown on the night, featuring some of My Gateway’s current female apprentices in trades such as bricklaying, construction carpentry, electrical, engineering and horticulture.
My Gateway is a Group Training Organisation, which assists aspiring apprentices and trainees to start their careers and employers to access expert help to find, employ and train the right apprentices and trainees for their business.
My Gateway has focussed heavily on increasing awareness of women in trades this year, after launching its Ladies can be Tradies initiative back in March.
SNASPSHOT
WHAT Women in Trades student info night
WHEN Wednesday, 14 August from 6.30pm
WHERE Wests Leagues Club, Leumeah.
If you are attending this free night, get your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-trades-student-information-night-tickets-64152765649
