Female apprentices in the heavy vehicle industry across Queensland now have the opportunity to access tailored mentoring and support, as part of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland’s new Women in Automotive Apprenticeships Mentoring Program.
First- and second-year female automotive apprentices are matched with an experienced mentor from BUSY Sisters, an organisation that specialises in supporting women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
With female apprentices still massively underrepresented throughout the heavy vehicle sector and the automotive industry as a whole, the program aims to attract and retain more women by helping them to build confidence and overcome challenges, as well as providing an outlet they can turn to with any questions.
Assistance will also be available for businesses, including resources and information to help them foster a positive workplace culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
Michelle King, project manager for the new mentoring program, told Big Rigs: “There is just not enough female representation in the industry, and I think there are many different skills and ways of doing things that women can bring to the workplace.
“It’s a male-dominated space that has done pretty well for itself, but there is a skills shortage, and women can absolutely be the ones to fill that gap and do it well.”
King said the new program has received a great response so far, with nearly 30 female apprentices signing up in the first two weeks.
Apprentice panel beater Kylah Stratford, who just turned 18, was one of the first to sign up and has already been matched with a mentor.
Stratford, who works for Graham Winter’s Smash Repairs in Dalby, is the only woman in the workshop.
“I’ve got a great team around me, but sometimes it can be isolating being the only woman – you become one of the boys,” she said.
“I wanted to sign up for the mentoring program because I think it helps to talk to girls that have been through the same thing. They know what to do in different situations, and if I ever feel down, they can help to pick me back up again.”
Stratford, who has always had an interest in trucks and cars, thinks the mentoring program is a fantastic way to encourage retention of female apprentices.
“It can be a stressful industry, and I know a bunch of female apprentices who have quit because they couldn’t handle it,” she said. “I think it’s a great idea to have this program, so if we are struggling we can just flick our mentor a message or pick up the phone.”
To learn more about the program, or enquire about connecting with a mentor, visit mtaq.com.au.
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