Miller, 20 November 2023 – “Imagine in 10 years’ time, when young girls look back saying thank you for the road that you paved,” remarked Loau Donina Vaa, Chair of the Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network (PWPBN), during the Pacific Girls/Women in Trade Graduation Ceremony held at TAFE NSW Miller on November 20th, 2023.
Loau is grateful for the collaborative Pasifika Women in Trades pilot. This is a TAFE NSW First Step Program, supported by J.P. Morgan, PWPBN, Miller TAFE, NSW DET, and VERTO. At TAFE NSW Miller campus, Pasifika students aged 15-24 engaged in four weeks of combined Carpentry and Stone Masonry/Bricklaying workshops, gaining practical skills and insights into career paths.
Fontayne Tufuga one of the graduates, her parents expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. “This is such a great opportunity,” they exclaimed, noting their daughter’s ambition to become an architect. The course has boosted her interest in pursuing architecture. The acquired skills will lay a strong foundation. We are thrilled about the apprenticeships and ongoing support,” they added.
Seini Afeaki, Senior Advisor at PWPBN, emphasized, “Our innovative program aims to empower young women by providing them with hands-on experiences, fostering practical trade skills, and introducing them to professional life in these specialized trades.”
Charishma Kaliyanda, NSW government Member for Liverpool, commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work. She noted, “As you receive your Certificates of Participation today, you mark the culmination of four intense, educational, and transformative days. These certificates symbolize not just acquired skills, but the dedication and determination invested in your future.”
This initiative tackles a significant challenge by providing access to educational opportunities for all female students across the Southwest Pacific region. Presently, with a mere 13% representation of women in the construction workforce and only 2% in trade roles, it is imperative to promote gender diversity and surmount existing barriers. This urgency is heightened by the industry’s projection of needing 300,000 skilled workers in the coming five years.
The subsequent phase for program participants entails the completion of a White Card course, industry site visits, and a collaboration with John Holland, offering apprenticeship opportunities as the project progresses.
