Ipswich careers market hosts Girls in Hard Hats
Published Friday, 27 July, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
Minister for Women, Margaret Keech, is inviting Ipswich girls to take a peek into the lives of women in hard hats.
Mrs Keech said the ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ panel event at the Bremer 2007 Ipswich Careers Market on Wednesday, 1 August 2007 would provide an exciting and interactive forum for girls.
"The panel session organised by the Queensland Government's Office for Women will showcase successful women working in non traditional fields," said Mrs Keech.
"The ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ program is about opening girls' eyes to the possibilities of working in traditionally male dominated fields.
“There are many talented women working in these fields having an absolute ball.
"They have a fantastic lifestyle, earn great money and work on projects that truly make a difference,” she said.
Dr Liz O’Brien, one of the two panel members sharing her story on the day, is Principal Policy Officer at Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre in Brisbane.
“I figured since most of my adult life was likely to be spent at work I’d better enjoy what I do,” Dr O’Brien said.
“I enjoyed the discovery of science; I loved the ocean and biology so I did a degree in Science at the University of Queensland, and followed this up with an honours degree in aquaculture.
“It's hard to break into the industry so I volunteered at the Queensland Museum. After persistently sending letters to the CSIRO, I was eventually in the right place at the right time and got a temporary job, and here I am now.
“Taking every opportunity to learn and do something new set me up for the future, I love the chance to make a difference.”
Carlie Wright, a plumbing inspector for the Brisbane City Council, is another panel member at the event. Carlie’s job involves travelling to commercial and residential sites to conduct plumbing inspections to ensure the work is completed and complies with industry standards.
As a woman working in a trade, Carlie says she gets paid exactly the same wage as her male counterparts, and strongly encourages more females to make the most of the opportunities in the building and construction industry.
“The industry is just screaming for more people, especially women. As with any job, you need to work hard to prove yourself to your employer but in the long run it really pays off,” Miss Wright said.
"The reality is Queensland needs more women in ‘hard hat’ careers and the ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ program is just one way the Queensland Government is working to break down gender stereotypes and inspire women to consider different career paths," Mrs Keech said.
The ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ panel event will take place at the Bremer 2007 Ipswich Careers Market, The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Wednesday 1 August at 10:30am and 11:30am.
For more information go to www.women.qld.gov.au/hardhats or call 1800 177 577.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005
Mrs Keech said the ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ panel event at the Bremer 2007 Ipswich Careers Market on Wednesday, 1 August 2007 would provide an exciting and interactive forum for girls.
"The panel session organised by the Queensland Government's Office for Women will showcase successful women working in non traditional fields," said Mrs Keech.
"The ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ program is about opening girls' eyes to the possibilities of working in traditionally male dominated fields.
“There are many talented women working in these fields having an absolute ball.
"They have a fantastic lifestyle, earn great money and work on projects that truly make a difference,” she said.
Dr Liz O’Brien, one of the two panel members sharing her story on the day, is Principal Policy Officer at Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre in Brisbane.
“I figured since most of my adult life was likely to be spent at work I’d better enjoy what I do,” Dr O’Brien said.
“I enjoyed the discovery of science; I loved the ocean and biology so I did a degree in Science at the University of Queensland, and followed this up with an honours degree in aquaculture.
“It's hard to break into the industry so I volunteered at the Queensland Museum. After persistently sending letters to the CSIRO, I was eventually in the right place at the right time and got a temporary job, and here I am now.
“Taking every opportunity to learn and do something new set me up for the future, I love the chance to make a difference.”
Carlie Wright, a plumbing inspector for the Brisbane City Council, is another panel member at the event. Carlie’s job involves travelling to commercial and residential sites to conduct plumbing inspections to ensure the work is completed and complies with industry standards.
As a woman working in a trade, Carlie says she gets paid exactly the same wage as her male counterparts, and strongly encourages more females to make the most of the opportunities in the building and construction industry.
“The industry is just screaming for more people, especially women. As with any job, you need to work hard to prove yourself to your employer but in the long run it really pays off,” Miss Wright said.
"The reality is Queensland needs more women in ‘hard hat’ careers and the ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ program is just one way the Queensland Government is working to break down gender stereotypes and inspire women to consider different career paths," Mrs Keech said.
The ‘Girls in Hard Hats’ panel event will take place at the Bremer 2007 Ipswich Careers Market, The Bremer Institute of TAFE, Wednesday 1 August at 10:30am and 11:30am.
For more information go to www.women.qld.gov.au/hardhats or call 1800 177 577.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005