Construction works at Lismore Base Hospital is helping create greater opportunities for women to enter traditionally male dominated trades. Through the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP) the NSW government is supporting women to take up a trade.
Grace Gibson has been employed as an electrical apprentice on the $180 million upgrade to Lismore Hospital and said the skills gained as part of the ISLP will set her up with a career for life.
‘I love my job and I’m excited about the opportunities that will be open to me once I’m trade qualified,’ Ms Gibson said.
‘I always wanted to get a trade rather than a university degree as there will always be work for me. I would recommend a trade to anyone who wants to keep active and fit,’ she said.
The Lismore hospital upgrade works will continue until 2020 creating the equivalent of 14 full time apprenticeship opportunities for local young people over the four year duration of the project.
‘As part of the redevelopment, the Department of Industry will be working to ensure we can at least double the number of women in trade-related work,’ said deputy premier John Barilaro.
They are aiming to increase women in trade-related work from the current NSW average of one per cent to two per cent and encouraging more women to take up a trade through the ISLP.
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