FEDERAL Member for Bonner Kara Cook has thrown her support behind a local program helping women build careers in traditionally male-dominated trades.
Ms Cook joined Federal Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth at Give Industries, where they met electricians Mary and Alisha, who are gaining skills and experience through the She Means Business program.
Give Industries co-founders Kat Dekker and Calvin Baker are among the small-business operators participating in the national initiative, which provides women with training, equipment, networks and workplace support to enter and progress in industries where they have historically been underrepresented.
Ms Cook said the program was creating practical pathways into secure and well-paid work while helping address local skills shortages.
“It was fantastic to meet Mary and Alisha and hear about their experiences building careers in the electrical industry,” Ms Cook said.
“Programs like She Means are opening doors for women, creating new pathways into secure, well-paid jobs and helping address workforce shortages at the same time.
“When we invest in people and give them the opportunity to thrive, everyone benefits.
“That means more women on the tools, more skilled workers in our community, and more local businesses supporting the next generation of tradies.”
The Federal Government has committed an additional $4 million to the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s She Means initiative through its Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries program.
The funding will extend the national program for a further two years, building on its pilot phase and expanding support from 30 to 120 small businesses across Australia.
She Means aims to improve women’s workforce participation, retention and career progression in male-dominated industries, with participants able to access qualifications, leadership development, tools, networks and mentoring support.
Ms Cook said women should be able to pursue the career they wanted without being limited by outdated expectations.
“This investment will help hundreds more women gain the skills, confidence and support they need to succeed in industries with strong future demand.”
Round two enrolments for the She Means program are now open.
