October Wrap Up! We’re excited to share our latest events, programs and recap highlights for the month at Empowered Women In Trades.
Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT) Group Australia
Striving for 30% Female Representation by 2030. Join us in shaping a more inclusive future in skilled trades.
EWIT's New Alliance Members
EWIT is proud to announce and welcome our new Alliance Members for this month:
We are excited to announce that Alliance SI have joined the EWIT village as an EWIT Alliance Member. For over 45 years the Alliance SI team have become a trusted network infrastructure partner with many world-leading network operators across Australia. The culture is what truly sets Alliance SI apart and we were drawn to the care they have for their people and customers.
"This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering diversity and equality and creating opportunities for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.
EWIT are dedicated to revolutionising the trades industry and creating a future where women and non-binary people are empowered, represented and thriving in skilled trades careers. Their programs and services are a gateway to a world of opportunities and support women in trades."Alliance SI
We are incredibly grateful to have worked with the amazing CCEP team for several years now and are SO EXCITED to welcome them to the EWIT Alliance.
“Becoming a founding member of the EWIT Alliance builds on our existing relationship with EWIT, whose targets closely align with our own goals, and we look forward to partnering together to champion diversity initiatives that contribute to the advancement of women in skilled trades". Linda Leo, Vice President Customer Service and Supply Chain, CCEP Australia
Reed Plumbing and Drainage Solutions are a family-run business, founded in 2017. They have grown to a team of over 45 people who all have a passion for this vital industry. They provide solutions to repair or maintain any plumbing or drainage issues. EWIT is incredibly grateful to work together with The Reed Group and we look forward to continuing to build on this success.
"Joining the EWIT Alliance is a reflection of The Reed Group's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the plumbing industry" Jon Reed, Founding Director
Interested in the Alliance? Join here
PROGRAMS
It was rainy day at Arden Street, though that didn’t dampen our spirits, as we got to host the Tradie Olympics with the crew from North Melbourne Football Club as part of the Freestyle Program. In pairs, attendees raced to put on Laing O'Rourke PPE, clamp a DEWALT logo to the table and paint within the lines of a square, all thanks to the DuluxGroup . The fastest participants got to race on the big screen at three quarter time. The team from Apprenticeship Support Australia were also on hand to provide advice!
EWIT’s National Talent Attraction & Retention Manager, Caryn McKeon attended The Box Hill Institute Careers Expo at the Box Hill Town Hall, with over 1000 people connecting and discussing all things trades. It was great to see our friends from Reece Group and Elise Halton from NECA Education & Careers.
Our team headed out to Scoresby Secondary College to work with a small, yet mighty team of year 9 students! They were excited to get on the tools and have a go, with all three groups building planter boxes in three completely different ways, making them functional and decorative. This was a great opportunity to remind students that trades are for everyone! We look forward visiting again with jam-packed programs for our future tradies.
Our team and our partners headed to Brentwood Secondary College for a jam-packed Kicking Goals in Trades Day. This bunch of year 9 students were so excited to get involved, have a go and learn something new. They were shocked to learn that the female representation in the trades industry is a low 3%. However, we provided them with confidence in handling tools and understanding building and construction with Laing O'Rourke , painting with Dulux , tunnelling prep with Holmesglen , metal manufacturing with Courtney from AMWU and Construction Specialties Australia, electrical with NECA Education & Careers and Beal Electrical Services Pty Ltd, manufacturing and supply chain with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, automotive with Kanga Institute and plumbing with Reece Plumbing .
Thank you to Apprenticeship Support Australia , Ashley Belteky and Box Hill Institute Skills and Jobs Centre for being on hand to answer all apprenticeship and career questions. It really does take a village.
NEWS
"The CS Group is no stranger to overcoming an issue, big or small. The architectural building products manufacturer has taken this same approach to its new partnership with Empowered Women in Trades" - The Tradie Magazine (Read full article here)
"This is your chance to showcase how your business is leading efforts to increase female representation – whether through flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs or fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Join key industry organisations like Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) in our Women in Construction?feature" - Inside Construction (Read full article here)
PRIORITISING PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE
We have launched EMPOWER MINDS: 3-day program in Melbourne! Join experienced facilitators Rebecca D'Angelo and Hacia Atherton, CPA, MAPP at the Empower Minds Program to learn how to support psychological well-being in the workplace and beyond. Complete your Mental Health First Aid accreditation and be recognised in your workplace as a Mental Health First Aider.
This program provides accreditation for 3 years and will assist you to play a vital role in the workplace and the community. The program will also take a deep dive into positive psychology principles including PERMA, Self Determination Theory (SDT) and explore how to cultivate a psychologically safe workplace. Undertaking the program will assist you to reshape your workplace, enhance leadership skills and foster a culture of well-being and success.
Program 1: 30th October to 1st November (9.30am-4.30pm daily)
Program 2: 27th November to 29th November (9.30am-4.30pm daily)
Location: 11 Wilson St, South Yarra
Registration: $795 per person
REGISTER HERE
HACIA BECOMES THE FIRST FEMALE CEO OF A PLUMBING COMPANY IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY!
Our Founder, Hacia Atherton, CPA, MAPP is the new CEO of Reed Plumbing & Drainage Solutions and the irst female CEO of an plumbing company in Australian history! Reed Plumbing is an Australian plumbing company that is breaking barriers and leading the way for greater diversity in skilled trades. Hacia brings a wealth of experience, a vision for inclusivity and a passion for empowering everyone in the industry. Hacia will step into the role of Chair of EWIT. We are so proud of our Founder!
TRADIE LADY OF THE MONTH - ASHLEY BELTEKY
Our Tradie Lady for October is Ashley Belteky, EWIT Champion 2024.
With a 95 ATAR under her belt, Ashley decided to follow her passion for VET pathways & trade careers and became a Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic. Ashley is also an accomplished writer, having written opinion pieces about her many experiences in the trades, including for The Age newspaper. Most recently, as a Women in Trade Apprentice Mentor, Ashley supports and mentors the next generation of tradeswomen.
Favourite tool? Zero-degree offset ring spanners!
Favourite food? Cheese
Favourite quote? “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop" Confucius
THIS MONTH'S PODCASTS
OCTOBER PODCASTS
Episode 17: Lisa Carter, Founder & CEO, Clear Insurance
Episode 16: Jamie-lee Monro, Co-Owner Handy People Co
Episode 14: Ashley Belteky, EWIT Champion 2024
Episode 13: Nathan Quinn, Carpentry Australia
September recap
Episode 11: Karly Blouin, Venom Workwear, Canada
Episode 9: Krystle Fernandes - Steel Blue
Congratulations on the exciting news, Empowered Women In Trades! It's truly inspiring to see the continuous growth and success. Keep up the great work!