we are
bold + brave
Ella with AITC CEO Mark Hands at the Gold Coast campus
WORK HARD, DREAM BIG
— they’re the next generation
ALISHA DI RUGGIERO - APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN
by Eliza Lane Head of Industry Education, Australian Industry Trade College The construction industry still leans towards the Y chromosome, with women only making up 2% of the Australian trades workforce1. However, many organisations are challenging this norm and are committed to improving the achievement rate of young women within the industry. Traditional, male-dominated industries are becoming a thing of the past. The future is about opportunity and skillsets, not about gender or historical ‘norms’; and it’s the next generation who are unabated in their pursuit of equality. The next generation of young women at the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) are fearless and empowered and they are rewarded for their hard work and initiative with successful outcomes in a diverse range of industries. The independent senior school’s purpose is to educate tomorrow’s leaders, where leadership is defined by values, character and a commitment to their chosen profession, not by gender. University is not the only pathway to success. Building the future of industry begins with celebrating, promoting and encouraging young people to consider a career in construction in high school. The AITC has been removing barriers, building awareness and elevating industry careers for the past 12 years. Two AITC young women who are not only dreaming but also creating their own futures in the construction industry are Alisha Di Ruggiero and Ella O’Shannessy.
Currently in Year 12, Alisha Di Ruggiero was the first young person, male or female, from the Toowoomba campus to be signed to an apprenticeship. Alisha joined the AITC in Year 10 and is now completing her senior schooling while in a school-based electrical apprenticeship with Switch It Electrical. “My electrical apprenticeship is everything I could have wanted in a job. I chose this career because it was a good fit for me and my personality. I didn’t want to end up in an office block, unhappy in my profession and stuck,” explains Alisha. Her supervisor from Switch It Electrical, Kris Lobwein agrees and sees Alisha as an investment in the future of his business: “Alisha is a great apprentice and a pleasure to work with. We are very happy that she is working for our company and she will be an incredible asset going forward.” Her work ethic is simple, “I work to the best of my ability at all times, always challenging myself to be better dayAlisha on campus at to-day in my home, school the AITC Toowoomba and work life. campus This works for me. My job as an apprentice electrician provides for future development and is very fulfilling.”
1. www.tradeswomenaustralia.com.au
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THE NAWIC JOURNAL
