At a training centre in Athlone women are learning the skills of male dominated trades.
The national training and employment authority Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) training centre in Athlone offers apprenticeship training for young people who want to take up careers as electricians, motor mechanics, carpenters and in engineering.
When FÁS Athlone were informed that they would be required to designate ten per cent of their training places to women, they sought out companies in the region who had recently employed women, and provided them with a one month introductory course.
At present seven women are trainees in the Athlone centre. Carmel Rawlinson who had been recently employed by Bord na Móna is now undertaking an engineering apprenticeship. She does not see why gender should stand in the way of her employment prospects,
Why just knock me down because I’m a girl?
John who is an apprentice fitter admits they were a bit surprised to see a girl on the workshop floor, but got used to her quickly, and now says of Carmel,
She’s treated equal, with all the other fellas.
Apprentice electrician Evelyn Joyce says her family are supportive about her choice of career. She has also been welcomed by the male apprentices here, but anticipates resistance from future employers.
There’s still a lot of chauvinistic people around.
Angela was not permitted to do woodwork by her school on the basis of gender, but following her Leaving Certificate received a place on the FÁS apprenticeship course, and is looking forward to a career as a carpenter.
Women apprentices will have exactly the same skill levels as men in the trades they are training for, says Michael Fitzgerald, Director of Training at FÁS Athlone,
We certainly won’t be making any distinction about the fact that some of the people being trained are girls.
Motor mechanics is another field which disproves the theory that women are unable for manual work. A farming background and an interest in machine engines sparked Paula Gleeson's interest in it,
A woman is well able for the work. It’s not that hard really.
This episode of 'Evening Extra’ was broadcast on 17 February 1988. The reporter is Vincent Wall.
