Jobs Don’t Have A Gender
“Jobs don’t have a gender” is the solid theme of a group of strong and courageous women all united by SALT (Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen), a non-for-profit incorporated organisation that provides a support network for tradeswomen, apprentices and women in trades.
Some of the female leadership group from the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) met with a few of these empowered and passionate tradeswomen the day before the Tradeswomen Australia Conference, held on the 8th and 9th of March at the Construction Training Centre, Brisbane.
The SALT ladies represented many different industries but had one thing in common, they were passionate about their trade, they had a yearning to know more, and they wanted to empower and encourage other women to follow their passions and not be inhibited by the stereotyped ‘traditional roles’ for women.
MTA Queensland welcomed:
- Louise Azzopardi – Heavy Vehicle Mechanic (SALT)
- Stephanie LePoidevin – Apprentice (SALT)
- Camille Agerbeek – Veteran Automotive Tradeswomen (SALT)
- Radmila Desic – Queensland Government – Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (NAWIC). 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.
- Claire Brown – Light Vehicle Mechanic, MTA Institute graduate and founder of WITTS Apprenticeship. WITTS Apprenticeship offers year-round support for high school girls looking at trade career paths and runs a Vehicle Safety Session for women where they teach the basics of vehicle maintenance and safety.
The following day, the Tradeswomen Conference kicked off, coinciding nicely with International Women’s Day. The theme for the Conference was – to Educate, Empower & Unite and MTA Queensland were proud sponsors of the event.
Highlighted at the opening of the event, was the support of the Queensland Government to have a target of 11 per cent of women in trades by 2021. A tough but achievable goal from the current one per cent.
The Conference had a range of social elements to the Program and was attended by tradeswomen from across the country. The Program comprised an amazing selection of strong, skilled and articulate keynote speakers, as well as inspiring workshops and breakout sessions.
MTA Queensland is the Industry Specialist Mentoring Provider for the automotive industry in Queensland and will ensure female apprentices in the automotive industry are supported by groups like SALT and get the chance to attend important Conferences such as this.
13 Mar 2018
