Forest manager OneFortyOne and Empowered Women in Trades are hosting a tool skills day at its Jubilee sawmill in Mount Gambier on May 30.
According to Melinda Davis, the head of programs at Empowered Women in Trades, this represents a unique opportunity for women and non-binary people intrigued by trades to explore the industry further. “The program will be highly interactive,” Ms Davis said.
The event will include a sawmill tour, an overview of OFO’s operations, an introduction to the team, and an exploration of the various roles available throughout the business.
An integral part of the day will consist of practical sessions conducted by the sawmill’s maintenance team, including electricians, fitters, technicians, apprentices, and support staff.
Andrew Hoath, Jubilee’s maintenance manager, expressed excitement about the opportunity to expose new individuals to the site and provide a practical snapshot of the industry.
“Supported by our maintenance team, the group will learn how to put together an extension lead and will learn to use our thermal imaging cameras,” Mr Hoath said. He added, “Sawmilling and forestry are very male-dominated, and we’re working with EWIT to see how we can change that.”
Another significant aspect of the day for participants will involve learning about the principles of applied positive psychology and discovering tools to support a thriving career.
Melinda Davis commented on the challenges for women and non-binary people entering a predominantly male workplace. “Part of the positive psychology sessions we facilitate give people the tools to navigate this and feel more confident being a leader stepping into what can seem to be an intimidating environment,” she said.
She welcomed individuals from various backgrounds to the program, “You could be a school-leaver or someone looking to change careers or returning to the workforce after a career break.”
Ms. Davis concluded: “If you’re interested in taking up a trade and discovering more about the jobs available locally, we’d love to meet you.”
