Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) hosted a Wāhine in Trades carpentry event over two nights last week to encourage cross-trades skills and friendships
The group of tradeswomen were taught some basic skills in woodwork and crafted a chopping board over the two nights - 3rd and 4th February - under the tutelage of Tony Lemin, Programme Operations Manager, and Russell Finlay, Programme Operations Manager - Academic - Trades and Technology Faculty.
“They were an excellent group,” Mr Lemin said. “They listened; they followed instructions and were very safe with tools; they really enjoyed themselves; there was a bit of banter. There’s nothing better.”
He noted women from across the trades sector attended, including a painter, carpenters, mechanics, and electricians, of all different age groups.
And participants had the right balance of fun and learning as Mr Lemin fielded numerous requests asking can we do this again? “They’re keen to do another small project… Nobody wanted to leave.”
Keri Youngman, MITO Training Advisor (Southland) who approached SIT to arrange the event, said it was a fabulous success. “Everyone who attended was really happy with how it went.”
“It allows local tradeswomen, apprentices and pre-traders (we take them all) to network and to share skill sets.”
Studies have shown that the best way to support females in predominantly male workplaces is peer support, Ms Youngman explained. She discovered there was an appetite for local tradeswomen to meet and learn together after organising Women in Automotive study hubs, supported by MITO. “When we became part of Te Pūkenga I looked to expand to all the trades.” After discussing the idea with other local tradeswomen to gauge interest, Ms Youngman held the first meeting of Wāhine in Trades in 2024 after Great South’s Girls in Trades Day.
Previous meetings include a SIT automotive workshop where they were shown how to change a tyre and check fluid levels, and an electrical workshop where they tested for power and learnt how to change a plug. They’ve also had a tour of Tiwai, a cervical screening nurse guest speaker, and numerous other activities.
“SIT have been a strong supporter of our group, and we are very grateful for that. Tony and Russell were so generous to share their skills and time with us.”
Ms Youngman is a qualified diesel mechanic who did her pre-trade qualification at SIT in 1997. She has been in her role with MITO for more than 13 years and is on the Women in Trades New Zealand Committee.
Always happy to welcome new members, anyone who’s interested in joining Wāhine in Trades can contact Keri Youngman - Training Advisor (Southland) MITO. keri.youngman@mito.org.nz or 0276876403