Getting women into trades: Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
The Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau Women in Trades event took place on April 9, welcoming over 250 students from local secondary schools and women interested in exploring careers in the trades. A heartfelt thank you and ka pai to our sponsors and the dedicated organising committee, led by Co-Chair Kylie Taffard and the WiT committee with assistance from Event Manager Karen Caso, for making the event a success.
KiwiRail team at the Auckland Women in Trades Event 9 Apri 2024
Special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for their creative "give-it-a-go" displays that offered attendees a hands-on taste of the opportunities in the trades, from operating heavy machinery to exploring roles at KiwiRail, EQUANS, Jobs and Skills Hubs, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), Mito, Competenz, Etco, New Zealand Steel, Mast Academy NZ, Unitec, Dulux, Komatsu, Live Well Build Well Waihanga Ora, Waste Management, Connexis, EarnLearn, Omexom and ATT Apprenticeship Training Trust. Through your support attendees learned about the potential career paths within the trades.
MC'd by Jennifer Parker, General Manager of Licensed Renovations, the panel featured a diverse group of women who exemplify the positive shift by companies actively seeking to hire more women. From an experienced manager to newcomers, panellists included National Resources Manager Racheal Fenton from KiwiRail, who spoke about her experience leading a predominantly male team. Veteran plumber Kellie Hinton, second-year apprentice Patsy Gadsby from Competenz, and MIT Carpentry apprentice Christina Rose passionately discussed the importance of self-confidence and the growing openness of the trades to women. Zoe Shing from TSA Management, Heather Mansfield from Savory Construction, and Nerrisa Ross from Fletcher Living elaborated on their project management, quality assurance, and site management roles. They highlighted how their employers foster career growth, showcasing the varied roles and pathways that are now available to women.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their interest in joining the trades. The event's impact was clear, as one student noted she is “more determined and encouraged to succeed in [her] training at MIT”. Several attendees praised the event for enlightening them about other paths and opportunities. They are interested in learning about various trades, including carpentry, engineering, project management, electrical, leadership, and more.
“It introduced me to many new careers I had not thought about before. The event has given me better understanding.” With another saying that they are “definitely going to get into a trade industry.”
Charlotte McKeon, a trade teacher from One Tree Hill College, praised the variety of experiences available to her students and the welcoming nature of the exhibitors. Career advisors also noted a desire for more information on how the industry can support individuals with disabilities, including those with vision impairments.
Congratulations to our prize winners, with KiwiRail giving away two scenic passes for their stunning Great Journeys train and MAST Academy New Zealand awarding a prize for guessing the weight of their America's Cup wheel.
Congratulations to the winner. Presented by Racheal Fenton National Resources Manager at KiwiRail.
A massive thank you again to all our sponsors who made this inspirational event possible.
