Newcastle University has developed a program aimed at equipping some of the 11,000 young migrant and refugee women living on the Central Coast and in the Hunter with training and education to enter the construction workforce.
Leaving your whole life behind to find a fresh start in a new country is no small feat, let alone being a young refugee woman arriving in Australia trying to create a new life.
Newcastle University is helping women in this very situation get into the construction industry through its Social and Economic Resilience of Young Migrants and Refugee Women Program, assisted by a $88,600 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Foundation chair Ross Griffiths said the partnership provided the opportunity for change for generations to come as well as helping to redefine the typical “tradie” stereotype.
“The construction industry is booming, but it continues to be male dominated,” Griffiths said.
“According to the NSW Government, fewer than 13 per cent of the construction industry’s workforce are women.”
He said the program was aimed at helping migrant and refugee women enter the industry with confidence, making them financially independent and able to support themselves and their families.
The program is working towards having 50 women aged between 18 and 45 obtain a Certificate II in Construction by April 2024.
“Program participants will then be able to use their new skills into real-world opportunities, gaining paid jobs and apprenticeships, and even obtaining further specialisation,” Griffith said.
Professor Temitope Egbelakin from the university’s School of Architecture and Built Environment said by providing mentoring and networking opportunities, participants would be able to develop relationships with women in similar positions.
“These mentors are passionate and keen to provide support and nurturing relationships and connections for young women seeking to enter and success in trades-based careers,” Egbelakin said.
Saeedeh, a participant in the program, said she was looking forward to the future possibilities the program could provide.
“I want to be able to set up my life here in Australia and this program is allowing me to do this,” she said.
“I am looking forward to working hard and making a life I deserve.”
Egbelakin thanked Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for its help in making the project possible.
Source:
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation