The Victorian Government’s new Women in Apprenticeships fund will remove barriers faced by women wanting to start a rewarding career in traditionally male-dominated trades like plumbing, electrical and aviation.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today launched the first 10 initiatives under the $5 million fund, which will support 615 women into pre-apprenticeships, traineeships and apprenticeships and create a pipeline of skilled workers to help build Victoria’s future.
They include ‘Women in Electrical’ delivering 30 pre-apprenticeships, ‘Women in Aviation Apprenticeships’ run by Boeing Aerostructuresto support more women into aeroskills and engineering, and the ‘Women on Track’ program that will help women facing financial difficulties into the rail industry.
Other initiatives include ‘try-a-trade’ days, wage support, peer support and mentorships, pathways for school leavers into the fire protection industry, online sessions connecting women with apprenticeships and traineeships, electrical, engineering and automotive apprenticeships, ICT traineeships and other pre-apprenticeship programs. Women in Apprenticeships will be overseen by the Apprenticeships Victoria (AV), which is already helping reduce barriers for Victorian women looking to learn and earn in workplaces across the state.
More than 19 per cent of expressions of interest in the Big Build Apprenticeships program have been submitted by women, giving them the chance to work on some of the state’s biggest infrastructure projects including the North East Link and Warrnambool Learning and Library Hub.
The outcomes of Women in Apprenticeships will be evaluated by AV in partnership with Melbourne University – and interested women are encouraged to explore the programs at apprenticeships.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said, “The new Women in Apprenticeships program will pave the way for women who want training in trades like plumbing, electrical and aviation – giving every Victorian the chance to get a rewarding job.”
Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams sai,“This program will address the problem oflow participation rates in traditionally male dominated trades.”
