On Wednesday the 29th of May, the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) were thrilled to host the Women on Tools Toolbox Breakfast run by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) as part of the events for Queensland Small Business Week (held from the 27th to the 31st of May).

NAWIC is an Australian Not-For-Profit organisation formed in 1995 whose mission is to champion and empower women in the construction and related industries to reach their full potential.

Held in the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence, the Women on Tools Toolbox Breakfast saw over 100 attendees and exhibitors enjoy the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded tradeswomen and supporters of women in trade.

In celebration of Queensland Small Business Week , Labour member for Mansfield, Ms Corrine McMillian, Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee launched the event representing Minister Fentiman, the Minister for Employment & Small Business and Minister for Training, Skills & Development.

Ms McMillian spoke about the work being done to increase the number of women in industry and the commitment made by government in supporting this growth.

Along with Ms McMillian, Paul Kulpa, GM of MTA Institute also spoke about the challenges the automotive industry faces as we work together to close the gender gap.

“Tradeswomen represent a significantly lower percentage of the automotive workforce with only 2.4% of all female apprentices completing their trade in the last 10 years.

“We are constantly thinking of ways we can improve the participation rate of females in the trade. Ultimately it comes from industry, the workplaces that look at the applicants must make a decision on ability.

“It’s about broadening horizons and opportunities. About bringing down barriers and empowering people; and it is also about bringing people together. There’s a clear linkage here.”

MTA Queensland’s 2018 Community Award winner Fionna Blackburne, owner of Southeast Auto Mechanical also spoke about her journey in the automotive industry and the challenges she faces as a small business owner, as well a qualified female mechanic.

“I’ve been involved in the automotive industry for about 15 years and have been trade qualified for three of those.

“The hardest challenge I have faced in this industry is not being taken seriously.

“To this day I still have men look past me and speak directly to my male 2IC or one of the male technicians.”

For more information on NAWIC Click Here

29 May 2019