As a follow up to the state-wide Trades Fit Expo held in May, OELLEN, in partnership with EWIT, Maxme and BHI Skills & Jobs Centre, invited female students from our local schools to participate in a Tools Skills Day at the Lilydale Lakeside Campus on 9th June 2022. The objective of the day was to create a positive mindset and build the confidence of female students to be inspired to be the tradie ladies of the future. The program combined identifying employability/human skills with practical elements including handling tools needed to work within the trades of electrical, plumbing, and manufacturing machinery.

The students had a fantastic day and are challenging their perceptions on their career options – this was a great result given that we want to challenge the norm and get them believing a career in trades is possible!

We hope to host more events like this in 2022 so keep an eye out in future newsletters or let us know if your school is interested. The session supported participants to overcome self-doubt in their ability to pursue a career within one of these trades and inspire them to see the opportunities within traditionally made dominated industries.

Students from Upper Yarra SC, Healesville High School and Rowville SC got a chance to try out stripping electrical wires, joining and crimping pipes, speak to industry experts, employers, explore Laser cutters, CNC Routers and Drone technology at the YRTS, and also participate in a positive mindset workshop.