Inspiring Women in Construction and Trades
South Sydney High School
In
collaboration with Women in Design and Construction (WIDAC), Inspiring the
Future Australia hosted a workshop at South
Sydney High School, a co-educational
High School situated a couple of kilometres from the iconic Maroubra beach in
Sydney.
Let’s not
pretend, the feeling of apprehension was real. Take a moment to picture 56
female students from Year 10 entering the charming old school hall built in
1953. Our 6 female industry guests were already seated on the stage, ready for
the panel segment.
It was
obvious from the students’ body language, that they were not going to be easily
convinced that this was a unique career workshop that would change the way they
think about their future. However, we were willing to take up the challenge.
The
students collective sigh of relief came as we progressed through the workshop.
“Phew”, these are real industry women sharing their career journey. “Phew”, one
of the panel members hated school and only just scraped through to finish Year
10. “Phew”, another moved from Dubbo to work as a labourer in the construction
industry and pursue her sporting career with the Roosters in the WNRL. “Phew”,
two of these ladies have moved from overseas to work in Australia. “Phew”, all
of them seem to really enjoy their jobs. “Phew”, one of the ladies communicated
that when you enjoy what you do you are motivated to learn. “Phew”, you don’t
have to know what you want to do when you leave school.
The
realisation was felt by the students that all these women were real, raw,
honest and trailblazers in male dominated industries. The sigh of relief from
students was clearly obvious, shoulders were relaxed and the emotional barriers
came down.
Although
there were a handful of students still reluctant, the overwhelming positivity
filled the old school hall, a hall that thousands of students have passed
through.
The
students walked out believing that the ‘world of work’ holds optimistic
possibilities for each and everyone of us!
________________________________________________________________
Thank you to our association partners, Women in Design and Construction (WIDAC) for collaborating with us again and the wonderful Cyrilla for coming down from Brisbane. To the inspiring women who volunteered their time, you were wonderful and your involvement has most definitely broadened career horizons.
Taneka from National Rugby League, Louise Azzopardi, Marta from Stantec, Rachel Miu from John Holland and Hannah from Mott MacDonald and Vivienne from Sydney Olympic Park Authority
Thank you to South Sydney High School Executive team and the Career Adviser, Meredith Mattock for organising the workshop.