Published Wednesday, 08 August, 2007 at 08:20 AM
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
MACKAY CAREERS MARKET HOSTS GIRLS IN HARD HATS
Minister for Women, Margaret Keech, is inviting Mackay 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 Mackay and District Careers Market Expo on Wednesday, 15 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," Mrs Keech said.
"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.
Melanie Gordon, one of the two panel members sharing her story on the day, is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at BHP.
"I have worked in the mining industry for seven years and since completing my mechanical engineering degree I have worked as a risk management professional, safety professional, mechanical engineer and now a project manager," Ms Gordon said.
"My role involves a wide variety of tasks and I am constantly facing new challenges and developing my skills as a project manager, engineer and supervisor. “
Nikki Heather a painter and decorator, another panel member at the event, finished her painting and decorating apprenticeship in three years and seven months and has been working as a fully qualified painter for a year and half.
“The best thing about my trade is the satisfaction you feel at the end of every job.
“I paint a lot of brand new homes as well as renovation jobs, there is nothing better than walking into a poorly maintained home and when you finish the job it looks like a completely new house.”
As a woman working in a trade, Nikki says the best advice she can give to any women or girl thinking about a trade is just give it go, as you could end up loving every minute of it.
"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 Mackay and District Careers Market Expo, Mackay State High Community Hall, Wednesday 15 August at 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
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 Mackay and District Careers Market Expo on Wednesday, 15 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," Mrs Keech said.
"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.
Melanie Gordon, one of the two panel members sharing her story on the day, is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at BHP.
"I have worked in the mining industry for seven years and since completing my mechanical engineering degree I have worked as a risk management professional, safety professional, mechanical engineer and now a project manager," Ms Gordon said.
"My role involves a wide variety of tasks and I am constantly facing new challenges and developing my skills as a project manager, engineer and supervisor. “
Nikki Heather a painter and decorator, another panel member at the event, finished her painting and decorating apprenticeship in three years and seven months and has been working as a fully qualified painter for a year and half.
“The best thing about my trade is the satisfaction you feel at the end of every job.
“I paint a lot of brand new homes as well as renovation jobs, there is nothing better than walking into a poorly maintained home and when you finish the job it looks like a completely new house.”
As a woman working in a trade, Nikki says the best advice she can give to any women or girl thinking about a trade is just give it go, as you could end up loving every minute of it.
"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 Mackay and District Careers Market Expo, Mackay State High Community Hall, Wednesday 15 August at 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
For more information go to www.women.qld.gov.au/hardhats or call 1800 177 577.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005