Steel Blue Announced as Primary Boot Sponsor for Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT)
Leading Safety Footwear Brand Partners with EWIT to Support Women and Non-Binary Individuals Pursuing Trades
Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) is proud to announce its partnership with Steel Blue, the renowned safety footwear brand endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association for its comfort and quality, as their primary boot sponsor.
Over the next 12 months, Steel Blue will supply boots to EWIT program participants, with a special allocation of 20 pairs earmarked for EWIT’s Charity Starter Packs. These packs, inclusive of boots and hi-vis gear, will enable more aspiring tradespeople to embark on their journeys confidently.
CEO and Founder of EWIT, Hacia Atherton, believes the partnership will reduce barriers to entry for women and make a positive impact on the experiences of program participants.
“At EWIT, we understand that embarking on a career in trades can be a transformative experience, especially for those who are new to the industry and we are thrilled to partner with Steel Blue, a brand that shares our commitment to safety and comfort. We want to make this transition as smooth as possible, and that includes addressing the practical concern of footwear comfort,” she said.
"At EWIT, we understand that embarking on a career in trades can be a transformative experience, especially for those who are new to the industry and we are thrilled to partner with Steel Blue, a brand that shares our commitment to safety and comfort."
Steel Blue’s dedication to safety is further complemented by their engagement in psychological well-being initiatives. As part of the partnership launch, Steel Blue will participate in EWIT’s Tradie National Health Month Yoga event in Melbourne on August 27th. The event is part of Steel Blue’s Beyond Blue campaign, aimed at promoting mental health awareness within the trades community.
Peter Bell, CEO of Steel Blue says:
“Through this partnership, we want to help more women thrive in skilled trade roles. We know that female representation in trades is only 3% and the positive part of this, as indicated by our sales of our ladies work boots, is that this number is growing. Sales of our true ladies fit work boots have grown from 9% to 12% over the past five years. Part of this growth can be attributed to organisations like EWIT supporting more women to consider a skilled trade”.
Moreover, Steel Blue’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in their Ladies boots line. Designed specifically for women, these boots incorporate features that cater to the anatomical differences of women’s feet. With a shorter ankle length and smaller instep, Steel Blue Ladies boots offer a truly customised fit, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the day.
The partnership between Steel Blue and EWIT signifies a significant step forward in supporting women and non-binary individuals entering the trades industry. The collaboration’s combined focus on safety, comfort, and empowerment promises to create a positive and inclusive environment for aspiring tradespeople.
EWIT recognises the significance of eliminating barriers to entry in the trades industry for women and non-binary individuals. The partnership with Steel Blue aligns perfectly with this mission, as the company’s commitment to comfort and safety resonates with EWIT’s core values.
