The Women in Trades Initiative is a G21 Partnership Project chaired by Maria Zaluski, Regional Industry Career Adviser for Geelong Barwon Region Career Advice Australia, Australian Industry Group. It aims to raise awareness and increase participation in non-traditional pathways for girls in Yr 7-12 and facilitate a support network for women currently employed in non-traditional roles. Maria Zaluski is an active member of the G21 Education & Training Pillar.

The inaugural (Women in Trades) WiT Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday 20th October 2009 at Bunnings Corio. The event was a huge success attracting over 100 students, parents, employers, employees, and community groups. Keynote speaker The Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Chair of the Ministerial Taskforce for Regional Planning talked about the low representation of women in non-traditional trades and commended our region's efforts in addressing this gender imbalance. We congratulate the award winners Charlotte Gibbons, Sally Power, Glenice Drought and Simone Davis.
For more information and photos of this event please visit the WiT website: www.witgeelong.com