Great South held the third edition of its Girls in Trades event, with about 90 female pupils from 10 schools across Southland given the chance to hear from young female apprentices and have a go with power tools, heavy machinery, tyre-changing and more.
Great South Southland Youth Futures team manager Renata Gill said the event was significant as it provided a platform for young women to consider trades as a viable career choice, and a safe environment for them to ask questions they might not otherwise have the opportunity to.
"Most importantly they can give it a go and see if it aligns with their interests. They can also ask things they’re too scared to ask in front of the boys."
Among the pupils was Southland Girls’ High pupil Hannah Calder (16), who operated a digger for the first time at the event.
She was thinking of a career in early child education, but wanted to attend the event to understand all her options, she said.
"I’ve never been in a digger before — was a bit scared but it was quite fun," Hannah said.
Katelyn Crows (15), from Central Southland College, said she would definitely follow the trade pathway.
"I think this event is a pretty cool experience to try a bit of everything in the sector.
"I want to do something with building or roadworks as I don’t get scared to get dirty."
