by Marty Brown
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 31/97) - They sit in a classroom -- mothers, wives, girlfriends -- some young, some not so young.

But they all have one goal: to get a job that pays real money. And if that means driving heavy-duty equipment, so be it.

Actually, many would prefer to be heavy-equipment operators or mechanics in the mining industry.

And to the group of 15, the Women in Industry Program at Aurora College is the first step.

Before the course, they were waitresses, sales clerks, secretaries or babysitters. Most are mothers, some are single mothers. But now they want more out of life.

"I've been a secretary," says Annie Kendi. "And I need more money than secretaries' pay for retirement. Besides, aboriginal women in Arizona operate cranes -- I'd love to operate a crane at BHP."

She's not the only woman interested in big machinery. Barb Gillis says she would love it, too.

The women will be using a six-week work placement as a means of deciding which field to go into. "We need more women in industry to help us along," says Michelle Heron.

Many are hoping the local mines will have openings when the women finish the course in June.

Some will go into apprenticeships, while others will look at surveying, warehousing or jobs at airlines.

They know that laborers make as much as office clerks and they would rather be outside, moving around than tied to a boring desk.

"I'm interested in the sciences, so I'm not sure where that's going to lead. But in our situation, setting mini-goals is a start," says Lori Jewell.

One mini-goal is going to school. And they are aware of the need to set examples for their kids, to let them know that women can do anything.

"We don't want to be looked on as a special group. We just want to be part of a team," says Jewell, a single mother of four.

But just in case, they are doing some role-playing in the classroom, preparing for the displays of sexism in the workplace.

Components of the program include math and English upgrading, safety training such as First Aid and CPR training, computer skills and drivers licenses.

Instructor Sharon Morrison has nothing but praise for the students.

"These women have made a conscious decision to change their lives. They are juggling family, school and in some cases work. Their plates quite full," she says.