This month, 15 female students commenced the Girls Can Too program at the Central Coast Community College’s Lake Macquarie Trade Training Centre.
The Girls Can Too program is a NSW Government Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) initiative designed to provide female students in years 9, 10 and 11 the opportunity to explore traditionally male-dominated career pathways.
The foundation of the program involves training and work experience across a number of trade areas, including electronics, fabrication, construction, automotive, and electrical.
Central Coast Community College Trades Training Co-ordinator Richard Sellick says the program is the perfect stepping stone for young women looking to explore trade careers.
“The Girls Can Too program encourages female high school students to try a trade and discover the benefits a hands-on career pathway can provide,” Richard said.
“The Central Coast Community College is proud to support this program, with 15 students currently enrolled at our new Trade Training Centre situated at the Business Growth Centre in Gateshead.
“Our trainers are equipped to give students an overview of a number of trade areas, including electrical, automotive, fabrication, and more. This allows the students to explore the range of hands-on careers available to them and find something they enjoy.
“We also provide the students the opportunity to visit local employers to get insight into trade industries and what it’s like working on-site.”
Brooke, a student currently undertaking the program with the College, said that the program has expanded her interest in a trade career.
“My career goal is to pursue something in the electrical field, and this program has helped build my interest in that,” Brooke said.
“I think this is a great program to share with my friends if they want to do a trade but don’t know what field they’re interested in.”
Richard believes the program is a step forward for increasing the number of women in trades and contributing to national skills shortages.
“Vocational education and training pathways are key to developing a skilled workforce for Australia’s future, which is why programs like this are so important.
“Increasing female representation in traditionally male-dominated trades expands the pipeline of skilled workers and encourages more people to pursue meaningful careers in trade vocations. The Girls Can Too program contributes to creating this future.”
The program is currently in its fourth week at the Gateshead Trade Training Centre, with the College set to deliver two more Girls Can Too programs to follow in the coming months.
Girls Can Too student Brooke with her completed electrical wiring project.
