Second right: Fiona McDonald, Managing Director of Tradeswomen Australia meets with young women apprentices in training at Box Hill Institute

It is vital to maintain as many apprenticeships as possible to retain the skill levels to rebuild the national social and economic foundations of Australia. 

 

Tradeswomen Australia has moved to support young women apprentices across Australia and has implemented ‘Operation Protect and Preserve’ in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic deteriorating national economic and employment conditions.

 

Fiona McDonald, Managing Director of Tradeswomen Australia, a national body formed to increase the employment of women in the trades, said, the organisation supports Government and Industry strategies to assist women apprentices to maximise their employment opportunities.

 

“The current economic devastation is at a national level we have never seen in modern Australia,” Ms McDonald said

“For young men and women apprentices, just starting or partly through qualifying for their future career, the current level of uncertainty creates many significant challenges and could force apprentices to abandon or be forced from their current chosen careers.”

 

“Tradeswomen Australia strongly supports the Government and Industry position to maintain as many apprenticeships as possible to retain the skills levels in Australia to rebuild the social and economic foundations of Australia.

 

Operation Protect and Preserve will bring together a range of services which will be made available through Tradeswomen Australia in conjunction with its industry partners and government departments

 

“Ranging from a simple one page eight-point plan to online seminars, and access to a free job portal and major social media promotions, Operation Protect and Preserve is also aimed providing a growing social footprint for the increasing number of women who choose a career in the trades.”

 

Ms McDonald said with the COVID-!9 pandemic, the current levels of uncertainty can be stressful, and it is vital to recognise that mental health will become an increasing issue. RUOK? is an important question to ask if you believe a colleague or workmate is struggling.

Ms McDonald said the Tradeswomen Australia Operation Protect and Preserve apprentice action sheet listed:

  1. REGISTER – On the Apprentice displacement portals
  2. FINANCIAL SUPPORT – Check what Financial support is available
  3. REDUCE YOUR BILLS – Get your budget under control
  4. UPDATE YOUR RESUME – List all your experience
  5. USE SOCIAL MEDIA- Reach out you to friends and acquaintances
  6. NETWORK – Make a list of relevant contacts
  7. APPLY – Go to Tradeswomen Australia Job’s Portal and register.
  8. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF – These organisations provide free services to support you

 

 

Beyondblue works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience. For access to this support call 1300 224 636.

Lifeline provides access to online, phone and face to face crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For access to this support call 13 11 14.

Money Smart is an initiative of the Australian Securities and Investments  Commission that offers tips and tools to help people make the most of their  money. For information on this service visit the Money Smart website.

Media Enquiries:

Ron Smith, Media Communications, Tradeswomen Australia –

Mobile: 0417 329 201