Nearly 30 female students took part in a week-long Try A Trade program at TAFE SA’s Mount Gambier Campus, with many now considering a future in the trades sector.


It is the largest all-girls group to participate in the annual program, which was launched three years ago.


The Women in Trades program, funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), offers Year 10 female students from the region’s high schools an introduction to trades training at TAFE SA.


Participants can try hands-on activities across carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying and tiling, and gain their White Card accreditation.


The 2025 program expanded from one to two classes to accommodate 27 female students from Mount Gambier High School, St Martins Lutheran College, Millicent High School, Penola High School, Grant High School and the Independent Learning Centre.


TAFE SA’s Ally Skeer, Manager of Education Partnerships – South-East Region, said it was exciting to see the program grow and participants enthusiastic about trying trades activities.


“The students’ attitudes to the trades over the past week has been fantastic, they have been willing to give things a go and learn something new,” she said.


“We’re thrilled that many of the girls are now considering a future in the trades and planning further study at TAFE SA.”


Women in Trades is part of a multi-week Try A Trade program for male and female students in Year 10 across the Limestone Coast.


Funded by the CITB and delivered by TAFE SA, this year’s program is giving up to 190 students the chance to explore career opportunities and pathways in traditional trade areas.