Clayton Utz Women in Construction Scholarship winners announced

This year, TasTAFE has partnered with legal firm Clayton Utz to deliver the inaugural Clayton Utz Women in Construction Scholarship program.

Aligning with a commitment Clayton Utz has made to the Tasmanian Government to increase diversity in the construction industry, this new initiative offers financial support to Tasmanian women pursuing TasTAFE qualifications in the construction trades.

Specifically, the scholarships support those who may be facing financial barriers in their ability to undertake and complete their training at TasTAFE.

One scholarship has been awarded in each region – North-West, North and South – each to the value of $3,330, directly contributing to the recipient’s ability to undertake and complete their TasTAFE qualification.

From 20 strong applications from around the state, 3 recipients have been endorsed by Clayton Utz:

• Tegan Hardy – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (North-West), Coastal Engineering & Belting (CEB)
• Monique Blair – Certificate III in Carpentry (North), JMC Property Group
• Sienna Devine – Certificate III in Engineering (South), Hobart Blue Metal Industries (HBMI) Pty Ltd

Tegan Hardy works as a welder with CEB at Camdale just west of Burnie, and is in the final year of her Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade studies at TasTAFE.

“Being a female in a male-dominated industry has definitely been a big challenge,” Tegan said. “There are a couple of women in the office at work, but I'm actually the only female out of about 70 of us on the floor. But I've enjoyed it so far.

“People make assumptions, definitely – but I've never been told I can't do something. They more look at me as if they need to help me, even if they don't!”

A further challenge for Tegan has been her commute to work – which is an impressive undertaking.

“I actually live an hour and 20 minutes from my work, so I travel to and from every day. It has been a bit of a challenge, because I'll be up at about 4am every day to get to work on time.”

With the proceeds from her Clayton Utz scholarship, Tegan is keen to invest in some professional equipment.

“I'll be able to buy the breathing apparatus I've been looking at, so I will be able to breathe better while doing my job. It’s a welding helmet attached to a breathing pack that purifies the air, so you don't breathe in dust and chemicals as you're welding.”

Tegan hopes her scholarship win will encourage more women to take up careers in the construction trades.

“I would like to promote more female workers on the north-west coast to get into welding, or any form of construction really,” she said.

Congratulations on your scholarships Tegan, Monique and Sienna – and thank you to your employers Coastal Engineering & Belting, JMC Property Group and Hobart Blue Metal Industries for supporting you at work and in your studies.

We wish you all the best as you build your careers and continue with your TasTAFE learning.

About Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz is one of Australia's oldest and largest law firms, with offices in 6 cities, nearly 200 partners, and a full range of legal services for large private sector and government clients.

Clayton Utz advises over 250 public sector organisations across Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments, including the Tasmanian Government – and has a leading construction and infrastructure practice. Clayton Utz is committed to supporting the diversification of the construction industry.

Image: Tegan Hardy works as a welder on the north-west coast.