For Ashleigh Seymour a future in earthmoving is looking bright, and not just because of the high-visibility clothing.
Key points:
- Sistas in Trade program aimed at helping First Nations women kickstart careers in construction, infrastructure and manufacturing
- Last week, seven women graduated from the program going on to secure further industry employment
- Project lead Lynn Field hopes the program can expand in regional NSW
The 27-year-old is just one of seven graduates of the inaugural Sistas in Trade program, which helps local First Nations women kickstart their careers in construction, infrastructure and manufacturing.
“I heard about it every now and then, women in trades, but not a lot,” Ms Seymour said.
“I didn’t really know how to get my foot in the door until I met Lynn at Sistas in Trade.
“It was amazing. It was a real eye-opener.”
Women make up just 5 per cent of the NSW workforce in key industries such as building and construction.
Indigenous women have even less representation.
Funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Sistas in Trade connects participants with local employers and training organisations.
Opportunities for First Nations women participants are created through Workforce Australia employment services across Dubbo and surrounding areas.
Since the program began in May 2023, some of the women have secured jobs across Dubbo, with several more continuing to pursue further study or awaiting job interview outcomes.
Local jobs and program mentor Lynn Field said the key to transitioning away from male-dominated workforces was through education and promotion.
“It’s hard enough to get into the field, without the problems that go with being First Nations, and I wouldn’t say it’s discrimination, but it’s a preconception,” Ms Seymour said.
Onsite work experience
Throughout the program, participants have had onsite experience with Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure on the New Dubbo Bridge project and Momentum Trains at the Dubbo rail maintenance facility.
Ms Seymour said the program had made her more confident, and hopeful of entering the earthmoving industry.
“I suppose the biggest challenge was being out of my comfort zone, doing the men’s stuff,” she said.
“But it gave me a whole new perspective on it, but it also made me more confident to get into it as well.”
She’s in the process of getting various licences under her belt.
Ms Field said the program would benefit by expanding to other towns in regional NSW, but was dependant on funding.
“While Dubbo is a regional centre, I think places like Gilgandra, Narromine, Nyngan and Coonamble need this program for two reasons,” she said.
“The non-accredited training the girls got during this course, but it’s also a lot of life skills that not everybody gets, or it’s not given to them in a way they understand.”
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