MP wants more women in trades

LOCAL Federal MP Libby Coker has encouraged women to consider a trade after school or as a mid-career pivot following disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Ms Coker’s comments arrive as female representation in apprenticeships and traineeships in core trades has stagnated to just two per cert over the last 25 years.
Ms Coker cited the 65 trades listed on the National Skills Needs List, of which 62 are male dominated. The list includes trade staples such as electrician, bricklaying, joining, roof plumbing and landscape gardening.
“It’s important for young women and girls to explore a variety of trades when they’re considering what to do after they complete high school,” Ms Coker said.
“We need to overcome the barriers of increasing the number of women in trades and break down the social misconceptions about trades as a career choice.
“For many women who have lost their jobs during COVID and want to transition into a rewarding and flexible career – an apprenticeship is a great option,” she said.
Industry leaders, Victorian Group Training, based in Geelong and Colac, have provided traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities since 2004, with general manager Lochlan Veale saying he believes change is coming, albeit slowly.
“There is still a stigma for females entering non-traditional trades, but I think it is being broken slowly. I think it comes down to education when they’re younger and the conversations at home,” he said.
“Schools are doing more work to change that mindset, we are working with more female apprenticeship candidates, and these numbers are gradually increasing.
“We are meeting more female school leavers and having discussions around trades like joinery, cabinet making, and carpentry.
“We are heading in the right direction as we are seeing increasing interest from employers to employ female tradespeople”
Raised in Ocean Grove and based in Geelong, Clare O’Callahan has thrived as a cabinet maker, winning the best third year apprentice award at the Gordon Cabinet Making Apprenticeship Awards last year.
“I choose the trade because I like the work,” she said.
“I was encouraged by my family but also school and then at work. I have been fortunate. Peter and Rob really look out for me at Tenon and so do my co-workers.”
A combination of factors led young woman Sharni Malcolm to an electrical apprenticeship.
“In high school when we had to do assignments on careers, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. But my teachers and family could see I could thrive in a trade and all supported me to take it on,” she said.
Local builder Steven Dunstan who runs SK Dunstan Builders with his wife said he hires the right person for the job irrespective of their gender.
“It is male dominated still, but change is coming like with most things. I have found the girls in trades to be more than competent in the job they are doing. They do a good job,” he said.
Ms Coker has commended the Morrison Government’s recent announcement to subsidise apprentice and trainee wages until September 21, however she is concerned that the support may end on that date.
“I have grave concerns that when the funding dies up in 11 months’ time, so will the opportunities.”
Ms Coker intends on discussing the matter with Shadow Minister for Education and Training Tanya Plibersek when Parliament returns next week.