Why women are taking on male-dominated trades
A new state-of-the-art National Electrical and Communications Association training centre at Chullora is boosting the number of women becoming electricians.
The Express
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Women apprentices at Chullora’s new National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Training and Apprenticeships Centre of Excellence are challenging the male-dominated trade of electricians, saying they have the right attitude and skills to work alongside them.
Lauren Walsh and Annika Van Lierop, both aged 26 and from the Central Coast, are among the 16 female sparkies studying at the NECA centre.
Both women moved into the electrical trade after years working and studying in science and said they would like more females to break stereotypes about tradies.
The impressive centre, officially opened last week by Deputy Premier John Barilaro, is expected to cater for 500 apprentices each year.
To date there are 130 training at the centre.
In total, 7000 apprentices and tradespeople will receive training over the next five years, according to NECA CEO Suresh Manickam.
Mr Manickam said they chose the Chullora site at 122 Hume Highway — formerly a warehouse — because of the large catchment area for would-be electricians.
“There is a shortage of skills in the country and we can get more apprentices into the trade from here,” he said.
“We encourage young people, their parents, carers, and teachers and education professionals to visit the facilities to learn about an electrical apprenticeship and the fantastic career that follows.”
Under these apprenticeships, there will be no HECS debts and tradies can expect well-paid jobs when they qualify.
“I had a degree in advanced science in pathology but I wanted something different which I why I chose the electrical trade,” Ms Van Lierop, of Kariong, said.
“We have to change the mentality that the electrical trade is a boys’ club.
“Other women can broaden their skills while changing the future of the trade.
“The pay is better too and I encourage other women to give it a go.”
Ms Walsh, a part-time firefighter from Kincumber, said women were better suited for this trade than most people thought.
“After one year studying a Bachelor of Science and mechanical engineering, I realised uni was not for me,” Ms Walsh said.
“My sister Emma worked in Ausgrid and I also wanted to use my technical experience to become an electrician.
“The tools in electrical trade are built for men but you know, our hands are smaller and better suited for this work.”
Ms Walsh said other women should give it a go because the skills they learn will be helpful for everyday life.
Jared Bachmann, 17, from Condell Park said he dropped out of school in Year 11 and enjoyed working in the electrical trade.
“The VET studies I did at school has helped me a lot in this apprenticeship,” Mr Bachmann said.
Mr Barilaro said the Chullora site was a first-class training facility and “will make a significant contribution towards boosting the skills capability of thousands of young people”.
“What’s important is that young people understand the excellent training they receive as part of an electrical apprenticeship, as well as the well-paid and rewarding career they can expect when they qualify,” Mr Barilaro said.
NECA is the peak industry body representing electrical and communications contracting industry with nearly 5000 member organisations.