In this episode of Current Conversations, powered by Master Electricians Australia, host Kate Raymond (CEO of MEA) is joined by Jordon Carlisle, Workplace Relations Manager, MEA, Penny Cornah (CEO of Master Plumbers Association of Queensland), and Tenille Riley (Women in Trades Manager with Busy at Work) to discuss female participation in the construction sector and trades in particular.  They examine successful strategies like ambassador programs and female-led mentoring and explore the importance of overcoming cultural challenges and biases. They also discuss the potential impact of targeted government policies and the power of social media in changing perceptions. The conversation highlights the need for realistic, sustained efforts and collaboration across industry bodies to achieve meaningful change. Time-stamped Highlights:   00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations 00:13 Meet the Hosts and Guests: Penny and Tenille 00:34 Challenges and Solutions for Women in Trades 00:45 Penny's Insights on Plumbing Industry 01:48 Tenille's Approach to Attracting Young Girls 05:32 Gender Pay Gap and Industry Retention 08:03 Government Policies and Their Impact 09:23 Flexibility and Cultural Shifts in Trades 11:39 Addressing Bias and Barriers 17:39 Fact or Fiction: Hiring Female Apprentices 21:26 The Importance of Grit and Resilience 22:26 Shifting Employer Mindsets 22:48 Increasing Female Participation in Trades 26:20 The Role of Social Media in Engaging Youth 27:57 Addressing Workplace Challenges for Women 28:44 Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion 32:14 Promoting VET Pathways 35:43 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways  Produced by The Podcast Boss.