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    Media release

    TAFE NSW Moruya | 22 September 2025

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    Future female tradies get on the tools at TAFE NSW Moruya

    “'You can’t be what you can’t see' is an expression I use and for many of these students, unless they have a tradie in the family, they’ve had no real exposure to these careers.”

    Maggie Booth, Careers Coordinator at St Peters Anglican College

    TAFE NSW Moruya has helped a group of local female high school students get ‘on the tools’ and experience a taste of the trades as part of a unique program.

    One day a week over the past six weeks, students from Narooma High, Moruya High, Batemans Bay High, St Peters Anglican College and Caroll College have attended TAFE NSW Moruya. They have learned basic skills and theory across a range of in-demand trades, including plumbing, electrotechnology and carpentry.

    It comes as the Far South Coast continues to grapple with an ongoing skills shortage, particularly in the trades. The State of Skills 2024 report, released by Business NSW, found that 73 per cent of responding Far South Coast employers reported skills shortages.

    St Peters year 10 students Sienna Bantock and Poppy Melgaard pictured at a workbench, reaching for a drill and plumbing pipes. They wear orange high visibility work shirts and appear to be laughing.

    The Girls Can Too program is a partnership between TAFE NSW and the Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (REIP) Program. It aims to expose young women to trade pathways they may not have previously considered.

    “'You can’t be what you can’t see' is an expression I use and for many of these students, unless they have a tradie in the family, they’ve had no real exposure to these careers,” St Peters Anglican College careers coordinator Maggie Booth said.

    “School doesn’t always give you the opportunity to follow an applied pathway and so this has been a great opportunity for these students.”

    St Peters year 11 student Anna-Claire Koroeki-Hilla agreed, saying the experience had increased her appetite for a career in the trades.

    “I like being active and I get bored easily so a hands-on job really appeals to me,” Anna-Claire said.

    “It was great to learn a bit of theory but then have the chance to get in there and use our hands.

    “I could see myself doing something in electrical or plumbing in the future.”

    TAFE NSW Moruya plumbing teacher Ethan Fisher said by gaining hands-on experience and connecting with industry professionals, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in the male-dominated trades.

    “It’s been great to see how keen and unafraid of having a go they all are,” Mr Fisher said.

    “They soon realise this idea that girls can’t do what a boy can do in the trades is completely wrong.

    "They often bring strong communication skills and a great eye for detail, and coming in as underdogs, they’re especially motivated to prove themselves.

    “There are a lot more females now doing trades but we still have a serious trade shortage in our region, so hopefully some of these girls consider returning to TAFE NSW to do a full qualification.”

    Mr Fisher said the local industry had stepped up to donate supplies to help students build their practical skills.

    It marks the second time the Girls Can Too program has run at TAFE NSW Moruya.

    Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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