All Year 10 students at either Finley or Deniliquin High School, the teenagers have spent the last nine weeks learning tricks of multiple trades in the hopes they may join one of those industries when they leave school.
The Training Services NSW Girls Can Too program was delivered by Squad in partnership with TAFE NSW.
As part of the program, the students spent nine Tuesdays learning from tradespeople from across the district.
Skills learned included working at heights, concreting, plumbing, construction, metal fabrication and electrics.
They also participated in work site tours of Essential Energy, SunRice, Murray Constructions and Flippa’s Auto Electrical.
The group graduated from the program on July 2, with their parting gifts including a tool kit.
Regional Industry Education Partnerships senior project officer Katie Friedlieb said the aim of the program is to address skills shortages and encourage females into non-traditional trades.
“Women are under represented in trades, making up only two per cent of qualified trade workers,” she explained.
Sara Hayes from Finley High School said the program was a pleasant experience.
“It was really fun and enjoyable,” she said.
“We got to learn a lot and it was good to try different skills.
“I’ve not done anything like this work experience before.
“We did a lot of everything - a bit of plumbing, electrical, welding, concreting, construction and carpentry.
“I liked going to industry tours and the real hands-on parts.”
Deniliquin High School program graduate Mya Crampton said the program has developed a pathway to a range of different careers.
“It was a good experience to be able to try what it is like working in these trades,” she said.
“It has shown us how to get a job in these sorts of careers and industries.
“It has helped me make up my mind, and I think most of us are looking to get into a trade now.”
The 2024 graduates are the second group to complete the program in the local area. Discussions are taking place to run the program again in 2025.
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