Dongara students learn about opportunities in trades with career taster workshop from tradeswomen

Dongara District High School’s Year 9 students received a crash course in practical trade work from a career taster program being brought to schools across regional WA. Painters, electricians and carpenters from Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen Inc. came to the high school on November 21 to run through a workshop in which students gained experience with tools while building a caddy and learnt about opportunities such as apprenticeships. “It was all about engaging students, educating them, and it was an absolute fantastic day,” Workplace Learning coordinator Caryn Stokes said. “The students really enjoyed it, they were asking the tradies many questions about different trades and getting into them.” SALT is an organisation of tradeswomen formed to encourage and support women working in trades, and Ms Stokes said it was great to give girls the opportunity to get familiar with trade work. “It is important to encourage female students to use the tools and gain the confidence to use them,” she said. Ms Stokes said the school was very grateful to the tradies for the encouragement and advice they gave the students. “There so passionate about the program, and introducing these skills to students,” The workshop was part of the State Government’s $22 million career taster program.