Media release

A unique TAFE NSW “taster” course aimed at fast tracking high school girls into traditionally male trade careers has helped a Sylvania Waters teen secure a job as an apprentice plumber.

Kate Cody, 16, had a challenging time at school and yearned for a rewarding career that was both outdoors and hands-on.

Last year, she took part in Girls Can Too, a program for female high school students to introduce them to non-traditional trade areas, and fell in love with plumbing.

In January, she landed an apprenticeship with 2M Plumbing, making her part of a small but growing band of female plumbers.

Plumbing contributes 9 per cent to Australia’s GDP and supports thousands of trade jobs in Australia. A growing skills shortage is increasing wages and job security for qualified plumbers, according to Master Plumbers Australia, who say attracting more women to the trade is critical to closing the skills gap.

“Girls Can Too helped me decide plumbing would be my career and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Kate said.

“It’s such a complex and interesting job, and it really is an art form. There’s so much planning and in-depth thinking you have to do when you undertake a job and I just love it.”

She said Girls Can Too exposed her to many aspects of the job, including welding, and building a hot and cold water system.

“It was a massive eye-opener for me and I found it so fascinating,” Kate said.

She said she was proud to be a trailblazer for young women in plumbing, despite the challenges.

“I want other young females to see me passionate about the trade and consider doing the same thing,” Kate said. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, only about 1 per cent of plumbers nationally are female.

TAFE NSW Gymea plumbing teacher Trent Dawes, who ran the Girls Can Too program Kate was a part of, said TAFE NSW was uniquely positioned to give students practical skills to launch rewarding careers, regardless of gender.

“There are so many opportunities to make a difference in a rewarding plumbing career, and our skills-based courses allow students to hit the ground running,” Mr Dawes said.

“Kate is extremely talented and her enthusiasm is infectious. We find many female trade apprentices often have better drive, application, and attention to detail than their male counterparts.”

Girls Can Too is delivered in partnership with the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program, which connects students with industry.

RIEP senior project officer Trevor Adams said Girls Can Too was a powerful vehicle to help females into trade careers.

"Girls Can Too! opens the door for young women to explore hands-on careers in trades where their skills, perspectives, and cultural strengths are not only welcomed - they’re needed. There are excellent opportunities for females in these industries, and programs like this show just how much they have to contribute to shaping the future of our needed skills and vocations,” Mr Adams said.

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

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