Kempsey Shire Council is encouraging women to try their hand at careers in trade through free short courses offered by TAFE NSW Kempsey.
Council and TAFE NSW are joining forces in an effort to inspire women across the Kempsey Shire to pursue careers in male-dominated industries with the new Try a Trade fee-free short courses.
Try a Trade is available to women who are interested in being trained in Civil and Construction trades, learning practical skills to understand what it is like to work these industries.
Kempsey Shire Council Manager Organisational Development and Performance, John Gilroy praised the new partnership with TAFE NSW Kempsey as contributing to a promising future for women across the shire.
“Supporting the Try a Trade short courses is an exciting opportunity for Council to provide local women with worthwhile career opportunities that will make a difference in the community,” said Mr Gilroy.
The learning won’t end with two weeks at TAFE, with students then participating in work experience with Council across various departments and job functions, including water and sewer, parks and civic services and engineering design.
“Students will also be certified with a Statements of Attainment in Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry, also known as white card. This is an added bonus as a white card is a requirement for most job sites. And of course we hope they will apply for permanent roles with Council as well,” he said.
The two-week course will include training in the following units from the Civil and Construction training package at TAFE NSW Kempsey.
- Operate small plant and equipment;
- Prepare to work safely in the construction industry;
- Use hand and power tools.
“Council has an exceptional team of outdoor staff and we hope that offering the Try a Trade experience to students will encourage them to apply for employment with Council,” said Mr Gilroy.
The Try a Trade course intake will commence in late August, with TAFE training dates from 30 August until 7 September. For more information head to ksc.pub/try-a-trade and register your interest via emailing TAFE NSW Business Development Manager: ben.lewis41@tafensw.edu.au
