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When you think of an apprenticeship in Australia, you automatically think of carpentry, plumbing, mining, automotive work, truck driving and various other hard labour, masculine tasks. In recent years, there has been a shortage in those entering skilled trades. In order to maximise the potential in the work force, the Australian government has begun to promote women and girls to enter into trade work.

In 2008, women made up only 11% of trade workforces and 7% of these women worked in roles that were not traditional to women.

The Australian government releases a publication No Boundaries on their website to provide information to girls about apprenticeships and traineeships. It provides inspiration to young women to follow their dreams and not be scared to work in what is traditionally a man’s world. The publication has articles written by young women in the trade force discussing their experiences and explaining what they do in their respective trade.

Made up of about twenty articles, No Boundaries provides examples of trade positions. Each girl acts as an inspiration to young women and provides “Hot Tips” for prospective workers.

The article about Kelti Hohns describes the school-based apprenticeship in Cabinet Making. Originally worried about the way her male counterparts would perceive her, Kelti was soon surprised to find that they were welcoming and supportive. Kelti likes her apprenticeship because she has the opportunity to create rather than just sweep the floors. Some of her pieces are already being used in classrooms in her own school. To top it all off, because she is in an apprenticeship program, she gets paid as she learns, allowing her to save for her future.

While each experience is unique, they all tell the same story—women should not be afraid to enter what everyone thinks is a man’s world. You do not have to follow the usual path. Do what is right for you. By working in the trade force, the results of your labour will be satisfying and rewarding. And you never know, by being a strong, motivated woman, you may even be able to out- work the boys to your left and right.

Image by Francis Mayne