A NEW program aimed at getting more Bendigo women into trade apprenticeships will launch next week.<\/p>\n
The Connecting Women to Trades program was developed in partnership between employment support organisations CVGT Australia and WomenCAN, and Bendigo TAFE, and is designed for the building, automotive, electrical and plumbing trades.<\/p>\n
Group training manager at CVGT Australia, Allison Gook, said the initiative could help broaden career opportunities for women in industries that lack a female workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis initiative offers women the chance to gain an insight into four different trades that are traditionally male dominated, while creating opportunities for them by completing work experience placements with local businesses,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Group Training program helps to place apprentices and trainees with employers, and there is significant evidence showing women account for a very small percentage of placements within apprenticeships.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they enjoy what they learn, we can then support them to develop their skills and secure a place with a host employer, with the longer-term aim of completing an apprenticeship and embarking on a great career.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if participants decide not to pursue a trade, they will come away from the program with qualifications including White Card and Work Safely in the Solar Industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Registrations are still open to join the program and Bendigo TAFE CEO, Sally Curtain, encouraged interested women to apply.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrently, in Victoria, women make up only 2.5 per cent of all construction trades workers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage all participants to take as much as they can from this program and we hope to see them on our campus in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n