Young women try the welding trade

BGT Jobs and Training has hosted a non-traditional trade boot camp for young women.

Earlier this month, five secondary school students attended a four-day welding education program at Barkly Square’s Industry Skills Centre, funded by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union Victoria’s Women in Manufacturing group.

The young women did a centre induction, toured the facility, were kitted up with jackets, helmets and safety gear, developed their welding technique, and learnt how to use a guillotine.

Industry Skills Centre manager Bill Burgess said trade career pathways should be promoted to more women.

“Trades can still be seen as blokes’ jobs… but women are as capable as any bloke I’ve ever met,” he said.

“There are not encough introductory courses going on. Two might never want to pick another welder up in their life, but three might love it, and there’s a win.

“We’re offering practical experience, done safely in a safe environment where they’re looked after by trainers.

“In welding, OH and S is huge, there’s opportunities for males and females, and to earn big money. I notice women have great attention to detail.”

BGT business development manager Julie Butler said the jobs and training organisation encourages and supports women to consider a career in the manufacturing workforce.

“This is the first female welding boot camp we’ve done, and the first I know from any company, especially in Ballarat,” she said.

“We want to give them that experience now of working with apprentices and trades. There’s so much potential. Two of the girls might love it and want an apprenticeship, and that’s where we can help.

“We have people waiting at schools wanting to do the next program, so this is something we can build on in Ballarat.”

AMWU Women in Manufacturing officer Courteney Munn said women have the opportunity to make good money in welding, and progress in their career.

“The benefit of doing this with BGT who have the industry connections is that they’re not stuck with where to go next,” she said.

“There are connections to MaxiTRANS and other employers.”