Around New South Wales, the Educational Pathways Program teams in our schools recently celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) by connecting female students with immersive, hands-on experiences in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Embracing the 2026 theme “Give to Gain” these initiatives showcased the power of industry partnerships in providing students with the skills, confidence, and role models needed to pursue diverse career pathways.

Industry immersion at AMPcontrol

In Lake Macquarie, the EPP team partnered with Career Links to host an industry immersion day at AMPcontrol. Students from Cardiff High School, Glendale Technology High School, Hunter Sports High School, Toronto High School, and West Wallsend High School explored the frontiers of the electrical and energy sectors.

The day featured:

• Guided tours: Female apprentices led students through workshops, showcasing technology like the Gilghi and Solar Cube.
• Practical skills: Students participated in hands-on electrical circuit board activities and a STEM Tower Challenge.
• Future pathways: The event highlighted upcoming opportunities, including future TAFE NSW Start Your Future (SYF) programs and the Head Start Electrical program ‘Breaking ground in construction’.

Further north, female Aboriginal students from the Newcastle North group of schools participated in a Women in Construction Careers Experience. This collaboration between the department, Transport for NSW, and John Holland - Gamuda took students to the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension site at Tarro.

Participants toured a live construction site and engaged with women working as engineers, environmental scientists, and project professionals. The experience provided a direct link between students and inspiring role models, demonstrating how major infrastructure projects are built sustainably.

Hands-on trades at Gunnedah

At Gunnedah High School, 13 young women stepped into the world of trades through an interactive Women@Work workshop. Students rotated through four core trade areas: electrical, carpentry, painting and decorating and plumbing.

A highlight of the day was a collaborative challenge where students designed, built, and wired customisable lamps. Local experts, including representatives from Level Electrical & Air and TAFE NSW Tamworth, guided the students through tasks such as cutting copper, bending pipes and wiring fittings. One student noted that the experience changed her perspective, remarking on how accessible a career in trades could truly be.

Celebrating partnerships at Morisset

The IWD celebrations also included a major community event hosted by Morisset High School, attended by over 120 guests. Keynote speaker Bronnie Mackintosh from Girls on Fire joined a panel of Educational Pathways VET Ambassadors, school-based trainees, and industry partners to discuss real-world pathways.

The morning served as a reflection on the collective impact of all eight EPP initiatives. By bringing together schools, community members, and local businesses, the department continues to ensure that when we give opportunity and guidance, our students gain brighter futures.