Growing up we’re told finishing school, going to uni and getting a degree is the smart thing to do. We’re told anything else is for dropkicks and we make fun of those people. Especially if you're doing a trade - and even moreso if you're a female wanting to take up a trade. Not only is this kind of thinking hurtful, it’s straight up incorrect. In reality, taking on a trade comes with a load of advantages and going down this pathway can solve heaps of problems you might have when it comes to thinking about your future career. From jobs booms to increased happiness, big money, development of invaluable skills and the satisfaction seeing your work be crucial to society. When it comes down to it, tradies do difficult work that society absolutely needs to keep going. Also when you consider all the personal benefits that comes alongside doing a trade, it becomes super obvious they made the smart career choice. No one knows this better than VERTO, Australia's award-winning, not-for-profit organisation assisting businesses and individuals with all their apprenticeship, employment and training needs. The proof is in the pudding with VERTO's good mate Fiona McDonald, the Managing Director of Tradeswomen Australia.

In this webinar, Fiona will share her experience as a former light-vehicle apprentice, breakdown the stigma of trades, debunk the myth that females cannot be just as successful as males in the trade/construction industry.

During her apprenticeship, Fiona identified a lack of support, promotion and opportunities for women in trade industries. Keen to see change, Fiona started a networking group for women in trades. Building relationships and establishing partnerships with business and industry, Fiona developed and implemented strategies to increase the participation of women in trades.