As the 2025 school year drew to a close, Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) proudly delivered the final school-based career program for the year, continuing to build a strong pipeline of future talent in trades.
Introducing students to career pathways they may never have previously considered is central to EWIT’s mission as we drive towards 30 by 30: 30 per cent of trade-based roles filled by women by 2030.
Affectionately known as our Schools Roadshow, the program is designed to meet schools where they are — literally.
Image: Joni Anderson
In a time of teacher shortages, EWIT has created a flexible, mobile model that can run in a gym, hall or even a school courtyard.
We bring the trades to the students, creating a familiar environment where curiosity and hands-on learning come to life.
2025 Program snapshot
This year’s impact speaks for itself:
- 32 school programs delivered across Victoria and South Australia
- 50 schools engaged
- 1,410+ students participated
- 30+ industries/trades showcased
- 98 per cent of students learned something new
- 92 per cent would recommend the program to peers
- 64 per cent now considering a trade pathway
EWIT’s school programs are intentionally sensory, immersive and experience led. Students don’t just hear about trades — they touch, see, smell and try them.
They meet real role models, hear honest ‘day in the life’ stories, and take part in interactive activities that demystify trade careers and build confidence in exploring them.
A standout moment this year was EWIT’s first interstate Schools Roadshow with OneFortyOne in Mount Gambier.
Students followed the story of timber from forest to mill, toured onsite operations, and learned about the trade roles that keep the mill running. It was an unforgettable experience that brought industry to life.
Another highlight: working with 15 industry partners to deliver a full-scale, four-hour immersion at Brentwood Secondary College for 100+ students. Industry partners included Bostik, Reece Plumbing, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, NECA Education & Careers, AMWU Breaking Barriers, APA Group, APM Apprenticeships, AGA, RICS, Future Energy Skills, Holmesglen Tunnelling Team, Terraverde JV Team (SRL East – Tunnels North), Kangan Institute, and North Melbourne Football Club. Students were especially inspired hearing from APA Group’s Electrical Instrumentation Technician, Ashley Budimir—who once stood in the very same classrooms as a Brentwood student herself.
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EWIT’s National Education Partnerships Manager Jasmine Mishra coordinates the programs.
For Jaz, the highlight is witnessing the transformation that happens during the session. At the start of the day, we ask students to guess what percentage of people in skilled trades are women or gender-diverse, and every time, there’s that collective gasp when we reveal it’s only three per cent.
“Students often come in unsure or not that interested, but by the end of the day they’re a different person,” she said.
“They cut, they nail, they build, create, make mistakes, problem-solve, laugh, get frustrated, and then comes that powerful moment when we hear, ‘I did it!’ Their friends cheer, teachers smile, and that look of pride says everything.
“We see them open up about their futures, sometimes for the first time. Teachers tell us, ‘I’ve never seen them this engaged before,’ or ‘They’ve never talked about that before.’ The impact is written all over their faces.
“Whether or not they pursue a trade, they leave knowing that trades are fun, creative, and for all humans, not defined by gender, but by passion, skill and possibility.”
Providing students with informed choice and permission to explore is essential in shaping confident futures.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose” — Dr Seuss.
With momentum continuing to build, EWIT is gearing up for an even bigger 2026. Schools, industry partners and supporters interested in being part of next year’s program are encouraged to get in touch.
Email the EWIT Team: enquiries@ewitrades.com
Class is officially dismissed for 2025 and what a year it’s been!