Chanelle Moke was nervous about studying in a male-dominated industry, but she's thriving in the workshop and hopes a new initiative will help other women feel confident studying a trade.

The 28-year-old has recently started an Automotive Engineering course at Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga and is looking forward to being part of Wāhine Maia – a women in trades networking forum.

'Over the past couple of years, me and my family have experienced a lot of car trouble and walking into a mechanics can be daunting and we weren't always comfortable with our experiences.

'I felt dumb. So, I decided to study Automotive Engineering because I feel like it is a good career path, but also so I can get the skills to help teach others the basics, so they don't feel uncomfortable or dumb when something needs fixing on their car.”

Chanelle says she sought advice from a friend who had completed the same course a few years ago.

'I just wanted to know how hard it would be to push through and complete the course, knowing that I would be a female in a male-dominated industry.”

But three weeks in, Chanelle is thriving in her course and is aiming to land an apprenticeship. She also can't wait to build friendships and networks with Wāhine Maia.

'It's an exciting initiative and it really shows us that as females we are supported and that we can do anything.”

Wāhine Maia - Women in the Trades, is open to all wāhine (women) completing a trade programme at Toi Ohomai.

Networking events are planned at the Mokoia and Windermere campuses and all female trades ākonga across the rohe are encouraged to attend the event closest to them, with free transport available from our regional campuses.

Wāhine Maia is a collaborative effort by the Māori Success team, the Primary Industries, Trades and Infrastructure Faculty, Māori and Pacific Trades Training / Youth Guarantee, and Student Support. Embedded in kaupapa Māori, each Wāhine Maia wānanga (forum) is an opportunity for our budding tradeswomen to come together to share wheako (experiences), learn, and whakawhanaunga (establish relationships) with other women in the industry. Each event is different, is free to attend, and includes guest speakers.

Toi Ohomai Primary Industries, Trades and Infrastructure Associate Dean Suzanne Brotherton says the inspiration for Wāhine Maia came from colleagues at UCOL, who launched a similar initiative last year.

'We felt it was important to launch this initiative to help support wāhine in what is often male-dominated industries. We want women to feel empowered and supported to achieve their educational and career goals.”

She says Wāhine Maia aims to provide ākonga with knowledge and tools to succeed as well as mentors and friendships.

'Women may feel daunted entering into a trade and this is one tool we have to help them to feel connected to their peers and supported on their journey to become a tradie.”

The first Wāhine Maia event will be held on March 15 in Rotorua.

Check out our website for more information on Wāhine Maia.