Igniting a passion in women to pursue careers in electrical trades was the focus of a pre-apprenticeship program TAFE NSW hosted last month in partnership with Transgrid.

Females make up only 36% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Now, TAFE NSW Belmont is working to raise that figure through pre-apprenticeship initiatives.

Fourteen women took part in the most recent program, receiving hands-on electrical training and a behind the scenes tour of Vales Point power station, which gave them insight into the various career options in the industry.

Teacher of Electrotechnology Richelle Gregory worked in the sector for 27 years.

And, she aims to inspire women to consider a career in the trade because the industry served her so well and there were vast opportunities for those who are qualified.

“TAFE NSW students received training in work health and safety, hand tools and basic wiring, which gave them insight into what a day in the life of an electrical trade looks like,” Ms Gregory explained.

“Many of the women who participated are now looking to pursue further study at TAFE NSW in both electrotechnology and telecommunication certificates.”

Maya Boeren participated in the program last month and now plans to enrol in a Certificate III of Telecommunications Technology mid this year.

The certificate will allow her to install and troubleshoot telecommunications equipment and gain customer service skills for a highly-valued industry.

Maya currently works in administration and is ready for a more stable career with wider opportunities.

“I found the pre-apprenticeship program highly-valuable in giving me a taste of the telecommunications industry,” she said.

“So, I now know it’s the career I’d like to pursue.

“Demand for skilled tradespeople is high, so the timing is right for me to get qualified.”

Transgrid apprentice lead Kailee Standen said the pre-apprenticeship program had given the participants a head-start to find out what working in a trade would be like.

“Women represent only one per cent of the trades in construction and engineering,” she stated.

“There is a whole talent pool not being accessed, because of historical barriers and a lack of opportunities for women to consider a trade as a career.

“At Transgrid we want to enable a diverse workplace and by offering the female-only pre-apprenticeship we hope to further remove barriers that exist for female participation.”

For more details on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or phone 131 601.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.