Cumberland Council is helping empower women in their careers by hosting Trade Up to a Better Future - Try a Trade Discovery Day that will be held at Wyatt Park in Lidcombe on Thursday 30 November from 10am to 2pm.
In a hands-on, interactive and informative environment, this FREE event aims to address barriers and help empower women to enter trade-based professions.
Open to women in Cumberland 15 years and over, the event will provide an opportunity to engage with experts, gain insights into various trades and discover the pathways available for a rewarding career in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Mayor Lisa Lake said it’s important that Council helps pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
“According to statistics women are underrepresented in trades with only two percent of women working as qualified tradies in key industries.” said Mayor Lake.
“Every woman deserves the opportunity to trade up to a better future and explore their options, so Council is encouraging young girls and women to come along to the event and consider the exciting opportunities in trades."
Women in trade professions could help shape the future growth of industries across the state, alleviate skill shortages, combat gender discrimination in the workplace, foster diverse career paths and contribute to economic growth.
Mechanical fitter, Madi Mercieca, who works in the maintenance operations team at Westmead Hospital said she hoped to eliminate the stigma around women in trades.
“I think a lot of people think you have to be big, strong and buff, and that it’s a blokey environment - but it’s more than that,” she said.
“The perception is not what people think it is. It’s so female friendly and you don’t have to look like a man. I wear pink shirts, pink boots and pink lip gloss to work and I’m just as good as anyone else.”
The event will feature a range of industry experts, workshops, information sessions, heavy machinery demonstrations and a free lunch.
Trade Up to a Better Future is a Council initiative funded under the NSW Government’s Connecting Women to Trades Program.
To register or to find out more visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/event/trade-better-future-try-trade-discovery-day
This event is funded by the Trade Pathways Program - Training Services NSW
