First Nations women from the Central Coast have been celebrated after completing Metal Matriarchs, a hands-on training program supporting women to build practical engineering skills, confidence and future pathways.
The graduation celebration was held on Friday 26 June at, Kariong, bringing together graduates, families, program partners and community supporters. Over the past 12 months, participants worked towards a Certificate II in Engineering, learning practical skills in a professional workshop environment while creating meaningful pieces of work.
Nineteen women began the program. Six graduated, while others moved into employment or took up other opportunities during the year.
Delivered by The Skill Engineer Ltd., with support from WISE Employment, Bara Barang and InTech, Metal Matriarchs was funded through the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, administered by Women NSW.
This initiative creates real opportunities for First Nations women to build skills, confidence, and pathways into meaningful work, particularly in industries where women have been underrepresented.
For participant Denise Markham, the program was about much more than gaining a qualification. “I’m really proud of what we’ve made and what we’ve achieved together,” Denise said.
“When I started, I didn’t know what I would be able to do. Now I can look at the pieces I’ve created and feel proud. We’ve learned a lot, but we’ve also supported each other through some tough times. That has meant just as much as the training.”
Another participant said the creative side of the program had been one of the most rewarding parts. “The artwork has been really special because it’s something we can look at and say, ‘I helped make that’,” she said.
“It gave us the chance to use our hands, share ideas and create something with meaning. There’s a lot of pride in that.”
The women also contributed to creative project work, including components connected to a public artwork for the University of Newcastle’s Gosford campus.
Cultural Lead Alison Preece said the women had shown skill, determination and care for one another throughout the year. “The women worked incredibly hard and should be proud of what they achieved,” Alison said. “They learned practical skills, created beautiful work and supported each other along the way. Some of the most powerful moments were seeing the women back themselves, try something new and realise what they are capable of.”
WISE Employment’s Emily Maddocks said the graduation was an important moment to recognise the women’s effort, while also looking at what support comes next. “WISE is proud to be part of a partnership that supports First Nations women to build skills, confidence and future opportunities,” Emily said.
“This graduation celebrated what the women achieved, but it also gave us a chance to look ahead. The next step is making sure each person is supported to explore employment, further training or other goals beyond the course.”
With the current funding period coming to an end, program partners are keen to see Metal Matriarchs continue with support from local funders, employers, sponsors and community partners.
Ongoing support would allow more First Nations women to gain qualifications, build practical trade skills and explore employment, further training or self-employment opportunities.
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