After years of being out of the workforce Armadale resident Rebecca Millsteed last year decided to take the plunge and study a field she had always been interested in – IT and web technologies.
She is one of 200 women to have already taken up the State Government’s women’s training scholarships program aimed at encouraging women into occupations in which they made up less than 25 per cent of the total workforce.
Ms Millsteed started studying a Certificate IV in web-based technologies at Polytechnic West and said it had given her the kick-start she needed to move back into the workforce when her children were older.
“I’ve got four kids so I’ve been out of the workforce for quite a few years and I was looking at what to do next because they’re getting older,” she said.
“My friend mentioned the scholarship program and web based technologies are something that interest me, so I thought I’d give it a go.
“This is my stepping stone and way to get back in and do something different and something new.
“Whether I stop at this and do further study I haven’t decided yet.
“I have my own small online business so through this I’ll be able to do my own websites and use what I learn here as well as where I go from there.”
The program will run for two more years, offering another 200 scholarships up to the value of $3000.
Training and Workforce Development and Women’s Interests Minister Liza Harvey said the program allowed women to take up training and provide them with greater career options in a range of trade and industry areas like construction, IT and drafting.
“The program is now in its second year and has attracted a high level of interest from women,” she said.
“We will continue to provide opportunities in training that equip Western Australians with the best skills to get a job in the industries driving our economy.”
The scholarships were available to women over the age of 18 who had left school and undertook training at Certificate III level or above in more than 170 specified qualifications.
Employers offering an apprenticeship or traineeship to eligible women could also take advantage of the program.
