Encouraging Women into Trades – Portland Event Success

are-able recently hosted a Women in Trade event in Portland, led by our Business Development Officer, Rebecca Mason. The event was designed to inspire women in our programs to explore career opportunities in trades, an area where women continue to be underrepresented.

We were delighted to welcome Andrea Lawson from South West TAFE as guest speaker. Andrea delivered a powerful and engaging presentation, drawing on her own lived experiences as a woman working in the trades sector. She not only shared her journey, but also took time to connect directly with participants, creating a supportive environment where attendees felt comfortable to discuss their own aspirations and challenges.

The event attracted 13 participants from across Disability Employment Services, Workforce Australia, and Transition to Work programs, with the majority already enrolling in relevant courses following the session. This outcome demonstrates the significant impact of the event, helping women see a future for themselves in trades and take meaningful steps toward training and employment.

This collaboration with South West TAFE highlights the importance of strong local partnerships in creating opportunities and pathways for our participants. The success of the day shows the value of practical, inspiring events in empowering women to consider career options they may not have otherwise explored.

At are-able, we’re passionate about creating pathways into meaningful careers through training, mentoring, and employment support. Find out more about how we can support your journey at areable.org.au.