The Victorian government is encouraging young female and non-binary students to attend this year’s Trades Fit Expo and explore potential career pathways across a range of industries, such as engineering, robotics, mining, automotive, and clean energy.
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10 to 11 May, the Trades Fit Expo will offer information and hands-on learning experiences, technology displays, information sessions and panel discussions to girls and non-binary students from Years 9 to 12.
“Through initiatives like The Trades Fit Expo we’re delivering better gender equity and workplace inclusion, with opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated trades and industries,” said Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins.
The two-day event is expected to convene more than 3,000 students from nearly 120 schools and will feature nearly 100 exhibitors, including Amazon, Ford, Woolworths, and Star of the South.
The expo is part of the Labor government’s efforts to showcase many of the career opportunities available through the introduction of the new VCE Vocation Major, which gives students a jobs-ready edge.
“We’re backing young women and non-binary students to explore the rewarding and well-paid opportunities available to them while providing them with more support and pathways than ever before to start their dream job,” Hutchins said.
The event is aligned with the Labor government’s continued investment in providing students with hands-on, high-tech learning experiences outside the classroom, which includes $115 million in funding for the construction of six new Tech Schools in Brimbank, Dandenong, Frankston, Hume, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.
The latest investment follows a $179.9 million investment, which delivered 10 Tech schools across Victoria aimed at removing barriers and widening opportunities for girls to access technology, understand pathways into STEM and learn from mentors and industry role models.
For more information about the Trades Fit expo, visit vic.gov.au.
