TAFE NSW is training the next generation of female tradies, as the nation's construction industry continues to thrive following a record year of house builds commencing in 2021.
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The NSW government last year announced support for 3000 training places for women in trades with the funding intended to remove the cultural and social barriers keeping women from building sites. New research reveals women comprise only two per cent of workers in construction.
TAFE NSW provides women with pathways into a range of construction trades and has a comparatively higher proportion of female enrolments in construction courses at 9 per cent.
Moss Vale TAFE student and Canberra resident Zoe Azzopardi is a first year apprentice electrician.
Zoe is among a growing number of women who are capitalising on the construction boom to gain new skills, qualifications and a new career in an industry with variety and opportunity for growth.
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Zoe decided to become an electrician because she thought it was a handy skill to have under her belt.
"The skills I'm learning means I can be a bit more independent with doing certain jobs around the house," she said,
"I've always been pretty hands-on and I enjoy learning. I was in a desk job for a while but that just wasn't for me.
"When thinking about careers, I would encourage young women to step out of their comfort zone, it's good to give things a go. You've got to do what makes you happy and it's okay to put yourself out there.
"At the start for me it was a bit awkward but honestly, I'm not treated any different to anyone else at work or at TAFE.
"I work with another girl who is doing her apprenticeship we are both enrolled in Certificate III at TAFE NSW Moss Vale. We both love this trade, it's good.
"I take a lot of pride in my work. If I'm going to do a job my goal is to give 110 percent. I want to know I can walk past that job when it's complete and know it looks good and was done right. Attention to detail is something I'm big on.
"My friends and family know it's a male dominated industry and they're all really supportive of me following what I want to do. My father understands that because he's a carpenter so he's always encouraging me."
TAFE NSW Head Teacher Andrew Oliphant, said as NSW's leading provider of vocational education and training, TAFE NSW was uniquely positioned to arm students with the hands-on, practical skills they need to develop successful careers.
"There are so many opportunities to make a difference in a rewarding trade career, and our skills-based courses allow students to hit the ground running in local industries and stay living and working in regional areas," Mr Oliphant said.
"Many of the construction sectors across NSW are experiencing growth in jobs, so there is currently an opportunity to choose from a diverse range of careers."
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