Building Confidence and Skills – Students Try-a-Trade
Santa Maria College was one of the first schools to send an all-female group to Try-A-Trade four years ago. Since then, we’ve proudly continued this tradition, empowering our students to explore new and exciting career pathways. This week, 15 of our students had the unique opportunity to participate in the program at SkillHire in Forrestfield.
Hands-On Experience in the Construction Industry
The Try-a-Trade Program offers a hands-on introduction to the building and construction industry. Over three days, our students experienced the practical aspects of trades like bricklaying, carpentry, and block paving. Beyond the technical skills, they developed crucial life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and resilience. The program equips them with the confidence to tackle challenges head-on—whether it’s drilling a hole in the wall or assembling flat-pack furniture—all without needing a helping hand from dad!
Women in Construction - Breaking Barriers
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, women make up about 14% of the construction industry workforce. This number is steadily rising as more women are drawn to the industry by attractive salaries and flexible work conditions. With current workforce shortages in construction, women are increasingly seen as vital contributors to addressing these skill gaps and carving out successful careers.
Exploring Non-Traditional Career Pathways
However, biases -both conscious and unconscious still shape perceptions of career opportunities for women in construction. Programs like Try-a-Trade are essential in breaking down these barriers. The success of initiatives such as Santa’s Workshop and the diverse range of career tasters available to our Year 9 students highlight the growing interest in non-traditional career paths among our students. Each year, we see an increase in the number of students pursuing VET certificates in fields like electrotechnology, engineering, and automotive technology. Many of these students are also gaining practical experience through workplace learning in Years 11 and 12.
Looking to the Future
SkillHire provides a range of training opportunities, including school-based traineeships and pre-apprenticeships in various sectors of the building and construction industry. For more information, you can visit their website here: Try a Trade | SkillHire. If your daughter is interested in a future in this dynamic industry, she’s encouraged to speak with Leana Martin, Head of Careers and Transition, or Maryanne Hughes, Head of VET, in the Careers Centre.
By exploring these opportunities, our students are not just building skills—they’re building a future where they can thrive in any field they choose.
- Featured, Non-TraditionalCareers, SkillHire, Try-A-Trade, VETPrograms, WomeninConstruction
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
IGSSA Athletics 2024 – A Celebration of our Depth
Year 11 Social: A Night to Remember
