Why TAFE is turning to TikTok stars as it looks to fill key shortage
TikTok influencers have held a workshop at a TAFE NSW venue to encourage more people to take up a trade.
Despite nearly two million Aussies working in a trade, New South Wales faces a lack of workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors; there is also a lack of women taking up trades.
To bridge the gap, several influencers with millions of likes and followers conducted a "Tools of the Trade" workshop, an event where young people were able to speak to TikTok creators who have found success in a trade.
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Yana Marks began her plumbing apprenticeship at the age of 17. Steven Siewert
One of the influencers who will be sharing her story is Yana Marks, who has amassed over 380,000 followers on her TikTok account @sydneyplumberchick.
She began her apprenticeship at 17 years old and has become an advocate for women moving into trades and taking on roles traditionally done by men.
Her content has over 13.6 million likes, and she admits she didn't expect to take to her career so strongly, but is proud of the role she plays inspiring other women to break down the barrier.
"I didn't expect a career as a plumber to feel so rewarding," she said.
"The practical, hands-on work solves real problems, and it's empowering to carve out my own space and find success in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
"Documenting my journey on TikTok alongside so many other incredible female tradies has helped me to build a community that supports and inspires the next generation of women in trades."
Marks shares videos on her life as a plumber, and the jobs and tasks she carries out. TikTok/@sydneyplumberchick
Other influencers prominent on the platform were present, including Will Green – a barber running a TikTok account called @cutsbygreeny – and Ali "Chebbo" Chebbani (@chebbo), who runs the business Chebbo's Burgers and has 1.2 million followers on TikTok.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said figures like Marks played an important role in helping women have the belief they can succeed in a trade, and wants to use the workshop to help continue these efforts.
"TikTok has become an online toolkit for turning passion into profession," he said.
"It's especially exciting to see young women using TikTok to show how they can succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries.
"Hopefully, this number continues to grow as more women tradies share their journeys."
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