Murrumbidgee High's female students eager to learn trades

With an abundance of local businesses and a tight-knit community here in the MIA, students are able to easily engage with a number of different industries to find their future careers.

What stood out most among Murrumbidgee High this year, other than an unprecedented pandemic, was the number of female students pursuing trade careers.

Murrumbidgee Regional High School's career advisor, Melina Ragusa, says many female students jumped at the opportunity to try out a trade.

"I was quite surprised that I've got a few girls who want to do hands-on things and keep up with things are traditional male-dominated fields," Ms Ragusa said.

"I was really impressed, they haven't been afraid to get their hands dirty, they know their way around tools and they're quite particular.

"I've just finished speaking with all of the employers who have taken students on this week and they're all really impressed.

"It's been really, really positive."

Many businesses have had to turn away eager students due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of people in their workplaces.

However, those who have been able to welcome aboard students have been blown away by their enthusiasm and work ethic, an impressive reflection of the education experience gifted to pupils of Murrumbidgee Regional High School.

The local girls with grit working within Griffith businesses have been praised by employers, making Melina Ragusa very proud.

"We're really appreciative of those people that have taken on students," Ms Ragusa said.

"With our girls, it's good to see them venturing out of their comfort zone.

"Hopefully these girls can pick up school-based traineeships so they can start their trade when they're in year 11 or 12.

"They have completely surpassed my expectations."

The Area News spoke with two female students from Murrumbidgee Regional High School who were completing their work experience in the trade industry.

Abbie Hardwick and Ella Veenhuizen were given a taste of the tradie life during their time away from the classroom, with both of their employers wanting them to return for a second week.

Abbie spent her time at Midwest Conveyor & Belting Services, a Hardwick family business that prides themselves on their incredible metalwork.

"I started by cleaning up the workshop and helping out, then I was learning new things," Abbie said.

"It's been really good, it's very hands-on and a lot better than sitting in a classroom."

Abbie was inspired to undertake her work experience at Midwest after completing her metalwork elective at school.

The year 10 student is eager to continue her career as a tradesperson, hoping to pick up a school-based apprenticeship during her senior years.

"It's been really good having her here in the workshop," employer Zoe Hardwick said.

"Within the first couple of days she had picked up how to use all of the equipment that we have.

"It's been really good having another female in here, it's very male-dominated and it's always good to see ladies with trades.

"Having another female worker would just be top notch."

Ella Veenhuizen completed her work experience at Prince Auto Upholstery, helping restore vintage vehicles from across the state to beyond their former glory.

"It's pretty good actually, I prefer doing more hands-on work," Ella said.

"I like not being a desk all the time, being able to walk around and do other things instead of sitting in front of a computer.

"Here you can do your own thing, I really enjoy it and feel like other people should try it as well."

Ella was introduced to sewing and the associated arts and crafts by her pop when she was younger, which gave the now 16-year-old a creative hobby and passion.

Owner of Prince Auto Upholstery, Robert Prince, says it's been an absolute delight to have Ella in the workshop.

"She's got a good nature about her, she's really nice and happy and jovial," Mr Prince said.

"She really likes this sort of thing, she doesn't want to sit behind a computer or sit in the classroom.

"She's also done some sewing at home, so she's got a good headstart there."

The work ethic of students from Murrumbidgee Regional High School has been commended by many businesses in Griffith, who have done well to support students and the need for apprentices.

Now, Wade site students will begin their work experience on August 31, with another group of go-getters ready to take on the working world and find their future careers.