CDU marks International Women's Day with new initiative for women in trades

The new program connects young women starting their apprenticeships with women working in the NT trades sector.

In order to facilitate the new initiative this year and support female apprentices in non-traditional TAFE disciplines like construction and transportation, CDU Careers Centre has partnered with the NT chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.

Caroline Thompson, a CDU Employability Programs Officer, said the new mentoring programme gives female apprentices from various construction and transportation disciplines the chance to connect with one another and learn from seasoned female tradespeople who have already travelled the apprentices' path.

In fields like construction, transportation, electrotechnology, and plumbing, Ms. Thompson said it can be a little intimidating for women to enter a predominately male classroom and workplace.

The Women in Trades Mentoring Program's objective is to give female students the self-assurance they need to participate in their TAFE studies at CDU and in their workplaces, knowing that they will be supported as they work towards their desired trade careers.

Their assurance and dedication to the curriculum will ultimately contribute to greater gender diversity in the NT trades sector.

As they interact and work together with their peers during the mentoring sessions, the apprentices will be able to develop a network that will support them in their early careers.

Women now have strong career pathways to pursue a trade thanks to CDU's support of an inclusive training environment and gender equity, according to pro vice chancellor and chief executive of CDU TAFE Mike Hamilton.

"This International Women's Day, we're celebrating the achievements of women who have shown confidence and capability in their trade apprenticeships," Mr. Hamilton said.

"We work towards achieving gender equity to make sure that training at CDU is inclusive of all students and that women feel supported in their early careers. They have been able to increase their incomes, seize career opportunities, and find stable employment in in-demand trades thanks to our practical courses.

Visit this page for more details on the trades courses available at CDU.

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