SALT’s mobile workshop has toured NSW, Victoria and the ACT, encouraging young women to consider becoming tradies and employers to take them on as apprentices in traditionally male-dominated careers. 

The workshops are run by experienced tradeswomen, including crane operators, painters and decorators, landscape gardeners, bakers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, plumbers and arborists.

On Tuesday, 20 young women from Bega High School had the chance to learn about different trades when the workshop visited the school. 

“This is the world’s only mobile workshop to teach women how to use tools,” SALT founder Fi Shewring said.

“Women fill less than two per cent of trade positions and that is crazy when you consider all the skill shortages.

“There needs to be a massive shift in the way we view trades.

“At the moment, women go into a very small area of employment – most go into areas that are poorly paid and don’t end up with enough super when they are older.” 

The workshops not only taught the girls how to handle a range of tools, but also empowered them with important life skills, she said.

“What we are teaching here is that everyone should be able to use a drill and cook an egg,” Ms Shewring said. 

The Bega High students learnt how to use tools, from tape to a drop saw, and each created their own wooden box to take home. 

Jess Smith and Kayla Worldon were two teenagers in Year 10 who joined the workshop. 

“It seemed like a fun thing to do, it’s quite easy,” Kayla said.

She has thought about going into the construction industry when she finishes school.

“You don’t have to write, you can just have fun – it’s easy!” she said. 

Year 10 students Alyshia Eeles, Danielle Savage and Ella Spurling were also crafting wooden boxes on the day. 

Alyshia wanted to go into either carpentry or interior designing, while Ella also thought about doing interior designing. 

“I like architecture and buildings,” Alyshia said.