Last week headspace Bendigo collaborated with Yo Bendigo, Bendigo TAFE, Trades Women Australia and Mandalay Resources to host two car safety workshops for 30 young women and people who identify as women aged (15-25 years) at Bendigo Tafe. The idea was a headspace Bendigo Youth Ambassador initiative and the group worked hard each week to ensure the workshops were successful and informative.

The workshops helped participants learn how to confidently maintain a vehicle, and gain insight into future pathways for women in trade industries.

Throughout the workshops, participants were shown how to change a tyre, check tyre pressure, and change an engine’s oil. The workshops helped the young women build their overall understanding of their vehicles, and how to effectively maintain a vehicle.

To further immerse them in the experience and give them the sense of being a tradie for a day, each participant additionally received a pair of safety work boots donated by Mandalay Resources and a shirt provided by Trades Women Australia.

In addition to the practical skills learned, participants also heard from young women in trades, including 3rd year Bendigo TAFE, apprentice Sharni, and Mandalay systems Officer Danielle, about their journey and the level of support, training, and sense of community they experienced going into trade-based industries. For many participants, the workshops sparked a renewed interest in trades, with many expressing an appreciation for the opportunity to learn valuable skills and hear from inspiring women in trades.

The car safety workshops were a great success and a testament to the power of working together and community support. The collaboration allowed for a comprehensive workshop that taught essential life skills and provided insights into the trades industry and the support available for young women interested in pursuing a career in this field. The car safety workshops were a great success and a testament to the power of working together and community support. The collaboration between YO Bendigo, Bendigo TAFE, Headspace, Women in Trade, and Mandalay Resources allowed for a comprehensive workshop that not only taught essential life skills but also provided insights into the trades industry and the support available for young women interested in pursuing a career in this field.

For more information about upcoming workshops, please contact YO Bendigo or check out what’s on by joining our mailing list to hear about opportunities, events, and activities for young people of the Greater City of Bendigo and surrounds.