Job seeking women learnt how to operate and be safe using elevating work platforms at Sydney Metro’s very first Try a Trade Day
Sydney Metro’s first Try a Trade Day event attracted more than 50 job seeking women to TAFE NSW’s Institute of Applied Technology Construction campus.
The event aims to encourage women to consider careers in construction and other trades, providing the opportunity to experience the day-to-day activities of using mobile plant.
Participants received hands-on experience at four different industry workstations, all under the guidance of qualified TAFE teachers.
At the civil construction workstation, participants were introduced to elevating work platforms, excavators and skid steer loaders, to become familiar with the operation, safety protocols and applications of each machine.
The event also provided a platform for jobseekers to network with representatives from up to 30 organisations that are actively recruiting to fill job vacancies in various trades and non-traditional occupations. This includes roles with some of Sydney Metro’s delivery partners.
Women currently make up only two per cent of trades working on construction sites across the country, according to the NSW government.
“Opening doors for women to enter the construction industry is essential to securing the longevity of the sector and is a key priority for Sydney Metro,” the state government says.
Since 2017, Sydney Metro projects have employed more than 9,922 women to help build Sydney’s new railway.
New targets are being trialled on Sydney Metro projects to have four per cent of the trades workforce to be women and seven per cent of total workforce to be women in non-traditional occupations.