Trade and Tech Fit Expo
A group of interested Year 9 to 12 students recently attended the Trade and Tech Fit Expo at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The annual event spotlights study and employment opportunities for female and gender diverse young people in industries that are traditionally male dominated.
A 100% hands-on expo, students designed video games, laid bricks, welded, used a flight simulator, programmed a robot, safety tested equipment, used power tools, learnt to paint and more!
Tradies, apprentices and industry professionals were there to provide insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented:
- building, construction & engineering
- refrigeration, electrical & plumbing
- automotive, marine, aviation & aerospace
- solar & wind clean energy
- foundry and mining
- transport and logistics
- agriculture & horticulture
- gaming, cloud & robotics
- civil assets management & infrastructure
- defence, essential services & fire protection
When we first signed up for the Tech Expo, we were honestly just thinking about a day off school. We didn’t expect much - maybe some long talks and heavy information. But when the day came, it was nothing like we expected. In a good way.
There were heaps of stalls showing off all kinds of careers in tech and trades. We got to try everything from a very realistic cow and sheep birthing simulator, to laying bricks, hammering nails, and even playing a mini excavator game. There were also hands-on activities with plumbing, firefighting, construction, agriculture, and more. What really stood out was how each stall had people who actually work in the field. They were super friendly and really keen to share what they know.
We learnt a lot about VM, VET, and TAFE, and it suggested some career paths we hadn’t even thought about. Even if you already know what you want to do, or have no clue, it’s totally worth going (plus there's a bunch of free stuff!).
We all had a great time and would definitely recommend signing up if you get the opportunity.
- Nicole, Aprille, and Darleen
