Maria Mavrikos has worked in the steel fabrication industry for more than 30 years and is passionate about helping other women to thrive in the industry, just as she did.
In 2000, Maria established Structural Challenge, a steel fabrication company specialising in commercial and infrastructure projects. The Dandenong South business employs 80 staff.
Last year, Maria launched Steel Chicks, a social enterprise working to increase women’s participation in the steel industry.
“Steel Chicks is a passion project for me,” says Maria. “The steel fabrication industry is very much a boys’ club, so I didn’t really have much support when I started. I wanted to do something where women can come together and network and have training and support within the industry.”
From humble beginnings in Melbourne, Steel Chicks now has members all over Australia, as well as strong industry partnerships. “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short period of time,” says Maria. “I didn’t foresee us going national for at least three or four years and it happened within six months.”
Membership is open to anyone who shares the goal of supporting women in the industry. Members gain access to Steel Chicks events, training, and a free mentoring program. Steel Chicks also facilitates work experience opportunities for school students and are very active in the apprenticeship space.
Maria says there’s a lot of work being done to change the perception of the industry among females, and the message is slowly gaining traction.
“There are a lot of different career paths within the industry,” she says.
“You can start at entry level and move up into a technical or managerial role reasonably quickly if you have the right attitude. The career pathways include trade-based and technical roles such as engineering, to administration roles such as contract and project management. The steel industry offers ample opportunity, and it’s a great industry to work in.”
Learn more
Visit Steel Chicks website for more information.
