Women in trades invite

An inaugural gathering of women and gender diverse people working in nontraditional careers will occur tonight in Horsham.

The ‘women in trades get-together’ seeks to bring together people either already working, or seeking to work, in trades to meet like-minded people, share their experiences and explore future career opportunities.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marianne Hendron said women’s participation in the construction and manufacturing industries remained low across the Grampians region.

She said while there were programs and incentives in place to attract and retain women and gender diverse people into the sector, significant barriers to full participation remained – including a lack of information and support about career pathways for school leavers, poor workplace culture driven by outdated gender stereotypes, and lack of structural support for those who pursue a trades career.

“This event was developed to address a real gap in the western Victorian trades and construction sector – the lack of a central point for women and gender diverse people to get together, share their experiences, and learn from one another,” she said.

“It’s much easier to overcome barriers if you know you’re not the only one facing them, and to be inspired and encouraged by hearing stories and strategies around success and achievement.”

The event is at Federation University Wimmera campus’ student lounge in Baillie Street, Horsham, from 4pm. People can go to events.humanitix. com/wimmera-women-in-trades-gettogether for more information.