29 August 2024
South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) was delighted to announce the 20 winners of the inaugural round of Women in Non-Traditional Trades (WiNTT) scholarships in July.
The WiNTT scholarships program is designed to help Western Australian women train in an industry they are passionate about regardless of background or barriers they may face.
The program is paving the way to support women to pursue study in traditionally male dominated roles such as building and construction, science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Twenty winners were presented with a $5,000 scholarship to help reduce financial barriers that women often face whilst studying such as student fees, transport, accommodation, childcare, tools, and work clothes.
SM TAFE received 85 applications for twenty scholarships and the successful students ranged from 19 to 49 years of age, demonstrating that successful careers can be built at many life stages.
SM TAFE Managing Director, Darshi Ganeson, said the initiative was reflective of the vision to continually improve women’s economic participation and equality in the workforce, through provision of accessible and affordable training.
“In the modern and diverse economy we now live in, it is imperative for women to have representation and opportunities across all trades and careers,” Ms Ganeson said.
“Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners who will be training at SM TAFE to achieve a wide range of qualifications, from becoming an aviation maintenance engineer, to a car mechanic, to a cyber security specialist. We wish all recipients the very best in their training journey and our lecturer team is here to support them every step of the way.”
One of the scholarship winners, Jade, has a dream to own her own helicopter maintenance company and train apprentices from all walks of life. She is currently an apprentice in the field herself, and her scholarship will cover training to complete the MEA40718 Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical)(opens in a new tab) at SM TAFE to become a qualified aviation maintenance engineer.
Another winner, Chontelle, is currently the sole female cabinet-making apprentice at her workplace. Chontelle’s scholarship will support her to complete the MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology(opens in a new tab) at SM TAFE to become a qualified cabinet maker, with a goal to become an assistant factory manager.
A scholarship presentation ceremony was held last week at Bentley Pines Training Restaurant at the SM TAFE Bentley campus for the recipients and special guests.
Guests heard from industry keynote speakers Abby Chittick from the National Association of Women in Construction, Michael Cassidy from ASC and Sally Williams from WesCEF.
Want to break stereotypes and break into your dream career?
See the Women in Non-Traditional Trades (WiNTT) Scholarship page on our website to learn about eligibility. You could apply for a scholarship to train in qualifications such as aerospace, automotive, building and construction, engineering, hospitality or information technology.
Check the page for initial info and check back later to find out when 2025 scholarships are open:
Jade received a scholarship to help train for her dream to become an aviation maintenance engineer.
Chontelle was presented with a scholarship to pursue a trade in cabinet making.
Abby Chittick spoke from the National Association of Women in Construction.
Sally Williams from WesCEF spoke about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in industry.
Attendees also heard from Michael Cassidy who outlined the contemporary opportunities and initiatives for women in ASC.
Image 1: Aeroskills student Jade, proudly holding her scholarship.
Image 2: Chontelle received a scholarship to pursue a trade cabinet making.
Image 3: Abby Chittick spoke from the National Association of Women in Construction.
Image 4: Sally Williams from WesCEF spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion.
Image 5: Attendees heard from Michael Cassidy on contemporary opportunities and initiatives for women in ASC.