TAFE NSW Casino and Richmond Valley Council are uniting forces to encourage women across the Richmond Valley to pursue careers in male-dominated industries with new Try a Trade short courses.

Try a Trade is available to women who are interested in learning practical trade skills in order to understand what it is like to work in a non-traditionally female pathways. The three week course includes training in a variety of trades at TAFE NSW Casino in addition to two weeks work experience with Richmond Valley Council.

In addition to being a taster, this experience will assist students in gaining employment in carpentry and civil construction roles. Students will learn the basics of construction by getting their hands dirty to build a bird house with power tools as well get certified with a Statement of Attainment in Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction industry – Whitecard, which is a requirement for work on most job sites.

TAFE NSW Civil Construction Head Teacher John Richardson said the new focus on trade was a positive step for women and all young people.

“We know there is a strong commitment by the government to promote major infrastructure projects, this is a very positive thing for job seekers.

“Construction projects are booming so areas like civil construction, road construction and maintenance and building construction are great for apprentices.”

With the first cohort having commenced work experience with Richmond Valley Council this month, students have been given the opportunity to gain insight in parks and gardens through shadowing a senior horticulturist and assisting with garden beautification and weeding. Alongside the roads and drainage team, students have been assisting to maintain roads and fix pot holes.

“It’s great to see these women enjoying the work experience so much and it is promising to know some of them are very interested to now pursue a trade as a career option,” said Mr Richardson.

The next Try a Trade course intake is 26 April 2021. For more information about this and a wide range of other TAFE NSW courses, please visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mediarelease@tafensw.edu.au