Inspirational group of female Tradies driving change one workshop at a time: Singleton High School

Regardless of gender, they know learning how to use tools is a life skill everyone should ascertain.

And, that more young girls need to seriously consider a trade as a career option.

So to help level the playing field, these highly-skilled, experienced, and committed volunteers are delivering their campaign at a grass-roots level to young women across the state.

The non-profit organisation is collaborating with companies like Westrac and Sydney Trains - along with the Department of Education – and making some impressive gains.

On Thursday a group of students at Singleton High School (SHS) were shown just what they are capable of when the Supporting And Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) mobile workshop set up shop.

For the Year 9 and Year 11 students in attendance it began with a safety induction and then, they went on to create a timber project. 

The eager participants also got to hear some inspiring stories from their mentors about the benefits of becoming a “tradie”.

SALT founder and president, Fi Shewring, says although there is still a long way to go but they are starting to have an impact.

“Sydney Trains had 130 women apply for apprenticeships at the end of 2017 compared to 15 the year before,” she explains.

She says the non-profit organisation is also starting to profile companies who are pushing to diversify their workforce so young women are aware of what type of apprenticeships are available, and where.