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Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday September 16, 2008

TAFE NSW - Illawarra Institute teacher Fiona Shewring has won the Rider Levett Bucknall Crystal Vision Award for her work in promoting and advancing women in trades.

Shewring teaches painting and decorating at the Institute's Wollongong campus and was delighted to receive the prestigious award from the National Association of Women in Construction.

"It is not only a validation of the work that I am currently doing but it also recognises the contribution that I and other women make to the construction industry," Shewring said.

The Crystal Vision award celebrates the achievements of women in the construction industry.

Shewring recently published a booklet, Supporting Women in Non-traditional Trades, which encourages women to consider the trades as a possible career path.

Institute relieving director Jai Waters said Shewring's story is remarkable.

"Fiona first attended the Illawarra Institute in 1998 as a student. She became a part-time teacher in painting and decorating in 2000 and since then has been mentoring many female students through introductory courses," Waters said.

"This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of females undertaking trade courses at the Illawarra Institute."

Shewring was awarded the New Researcher Award from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research earlier this year and The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence Trade Teacher of the Year award in 2007.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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