The importance of having role models to inspire the next generation of women in trades
Finding a good role model can be a game-changer in any professional development journey, but role models play an especially important role for women in trades, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights that help inspire others to pursue their interests and follow their dreams.
Role models inspire change
They say you can’t be what you can’t see, and by witnessing a female work in a traditionally male space, today’s tradeswomen are helping younger girls believe a career in the trade industry is an exciting and viable option.
It starts in schools - by showing young females and non-binary youth that trades are a great option for them, and showing existing apprentices that there is support there for them.” Jodi Stevens, MEGT’s Mentoring Services Manager says, highlighting the importance of promoting the achievements of women in trade.
“Not many women know that there is an opportunity for them,” adds Ashling Cannell, Incat’s Training Support Officer. "While there are events and various other resources and programs out there, we still see a lack of confidence among young women, mostly due to a lack of knowledge."
Role models break stereotypes
New apprentices are often worried about how they might be treated or whether they will fit in, but someone has to be first to create change.
MEGT ambassador, Bardie Somerville, told us this was something she struggled with as an apprentices, saying “I really felt like I had to be someone I wasn’t to fit in with being a tradie and with the boys onsite.” She adds that it is important to remember that “we all have something super special to bring every day to every team.”
Third-year automotive electrician apprentice Taylah agrees and adds that “it’s about making connections and then really growing them. Find other women in a similar trade to help and to talk to who have been there longer and ask for advice. It helps.”
"From day one, having other females on site take them for a tour of the worksite and having casual chats helps boost morale and I think also shows the more traditional men on sites that women are here to stay,” says Ashling Cannell.
Role models are creating the future
With many women in trade withdrawing before they finish their apprenticeship, role models can make a difference.
When asked where she saw the future of women in trades heading, Jodi Stevens says “It would be great to see female participation increase and be the norm in a workplace rather than seen as unusual. It really shouldn’t matter what your gender is, it should be about being the right person for the role."
“I feel like it is evolving every day and hopefully in the future, more women will be willing to take the risk to join a male-dominated industry. It’ll be easier for them after we are done,” says welding and fabrication apprentice Storm, just three months into her apprenticeship.
So to the women in trades today, we thank you for being role models to your peers and the next generation.
If you would like to tell your story so we can share it and inspire others, we would love to hear from you!
