More South Australian women gear up for careers in trades SKILL SET: Port Augusta High School students Celeste and Aysha. Picture: Luke Hemer Source: News Limited FEMALE students are embracing areas of study previously dominated by men - and experts say better career counselling at school has opened up wider options for future professions. At TAFE SA, female enrolments for carpentry and joinery have increased by more than half, from 181 to 282 in the five years to 2012. In 2008, 43 women were studying civil and structural engineering, a figure that grew by 33 per cent to 57 last year. Other areas growing in popularity with females include manufacturing and processing, up 65 per cent; automotive, up 67 per cent; and aviation, up 22 per cent. SA Secondary Principals Association president Jan Paterson said a "higher level of sophistication" on career advice offered at the state's high schools was one reason women were opting to study in more diverse industries. "What schools are doing more is making sure students and their families have a lot of information about future careers at their fingertips," she said. We're also building up more of an understanding of what's available in all the different trades, so students can have a good look at that too. Port Augusta Secondary School next year plans to start an all-female trade class for about 15 Year 9 girls who have shown an interest in gaining skills in the metals, electrical and mechanical areas. , who liaises with industry to make sure students are job-ready, said it is about giving students as many options as possible. "WThey're still at such a young age, we don't want to lock them into anything, we just want to improve their skill set," said teacher Geoff Schulze. Year 8 student Celeste said a career in either mechanics or engineering appeals to her. "It's just good to be introduced to it in a bit more detail and see if I like it," she said. TAFE SA executive director education Jen Rodgersaid it is worthwhile for women to look into courses previously dominated by men. "It would be a good career move ... particularly given that some industries are making attempts to increase the number of women workers," she said.