Women in Trades

Women remain underrepresented in many non-traditional trades, including construction, electrotechnology and automotive. Employers, industry groups and government programs continue working to improve women’s access to trade careers.

At 1300apprentice, we support women to apply for apprenticeships and traineeships across a range of industries. If you are successfully selected and commence an apprenticeship with us, we become your legal employer.

We place you with a suitable host employer, manage your wages and superannuation, pay your TAFE or RTO fees and provide ongoing support through a dedicated Apprentice and Trainee Officer.

Empowering Women In Trade – Traineeship & Apprenticeships

Historically dominated by men, the trade sector has now opened its doors to women breaking stereotypes; Female trades now have the opportunity to build successful careers in the field.

Training Services NSW has developed “The NSW Trade Pathways Program 2021 -2024. (1)” where they committed to working with key industry stakeholders, employers and women’s advocacy groups to provide trade training opportunities for women.

Empowering women in trades is a mission that aligns with the values of 1300apprentice. We believe every woman should be able to pursue her passion and build a successful trade career.

Partner associations:

To support this goal, we offer women in trade apprenticeship and traineeship programs that provide hands-on training, mentorship, and access to a network of industry professionals. We are committed to breaking down barriers and helping women prosper in trade roles.

Our commitment to providing equal opportunities for women in the Australian workforce is outlined in our strategic plan. In 2023 the percentage of women in trades is 5%, our goal is 8%.

Why Consider a Trade Career?

An apprenticeship combines paid employment, practical experience and formal training toward a nationally recognised qualification.

Women remain underrepresented in many non-traditional trades, but there are growing efforts to help more women explore and enter these careers. The Skills NSW women in trades resource provides information about trade pathways, training options and programs supporting women into traditionally male-dominated industries.

Depending on the trade and opportunity, benefits can include:

• earning an apprentice wage while you train;
• developing practical and technical skills;
• completing a nationally recognised qualification;
• working in a hands-on environment; and
• building experience that may support future specialisation, supervision or business pathways.

Women working in construction have described the satisfaction of practical work and seeing the results of what they create. Read more about women’s experiences.

Career opportunities, earnings and licensing requirements vary between trades and locations.

Trade Pathways Women Can Explore

What Types of Trade Roles Are Available for Women?

Women in non-traditional employment roles include different jobs catering to various skill sets and interests. Some positions include:

The Women In Trade Profile

To succeed as women in trades, having some skills and traits is important, these include:

• Open to Learning: The trade industry constantly evolves, so being open to new techniques and technologies is essential.
• Mathematics: Basic math skills are vital for measurements, calculations, and ensuring safety on the job.
• Problem-solving Skills: Troubleshooting and finding solutions are part of a Tradeswomen’s daily routine.
• Communication and Reading Skills: Clear communication and the ability to interpret instructions are crucial.
• Technology Skills: Familiarity with modern tools and equipment is an advantage.
• Hands-On Skills: If you’re a female construction worker, it is important to have hands-on skills to work on physical activities.
• Team Player: Collaboration is key in the trade industry, making teamwork indispensable.
• Proactive Attitude: Taking initiative and being proactive can set you apart in the field.

Key Facts

Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the industry, enriching it with their diverse backgrounds, and while the construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, the tides are changing.

Women in construction statistics establish that as of October 2022, there are 63,824 apprentices in training in NSW, yet only 5,924 are women. Women comprise of only 13% of the building and construction industry’s workforce, and only 2% are in trades. (2)

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) aims for women to make up 25% of the industry by 2025, supported by the NSW Government, making the industry more accessible to women.

But what about the current women apprentices? According to Business Reporting (3), the main industries where women develop a career in non-traditional occupations include building and construction, automotive, utility and technology, and manufacturing engineering.

The largest number of female apprentices are learning to be electricians.

As at March 2023. https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/business.reporting/viz/ATwomeninnon-traditionaltrades/WomeninNon-TraditionalTradesstory

How to Start a Trade Apprenticeship

Explore Your Options

Compare trade pathways based on the type of work involved, training requirements, physical demands, licensing pathways and current vacancies.

Check The Vacancy Requirements

Entry criteria vary. A role may require a driver licence, reliable transport, a White Card, work rights, physical capability or previous study.

A pre-apprenticeship may help you explore a trade and develop introductory skills, but requirements differ between vacancies.

Apply Online

Browse our current vacancies and submit an application for roles that match your interests and circumstances.

If you are shortlisted, our recruitment team will contact you about the next stage, which may include an interview and consideration for placement with a host employer.

Commence Your Apprenticeship

If you are successfully selected and employed by 1300apprentice, we become your legal employer and place you with a suitable host employer.

You begin paid work while completing formal training through a TAFE or registered training organisation.

Support for Women in Trades During an Apprenticeship

Your Apprentice and Trainee Officer provides ongoing support with:

• induction and employment paperwork;
• workplace expectations;
• training and qualification progress;
• timesheets and employment processes;
• communication with your host employer and training provider; and
• workplace or training concerns.

Before placement, we assess the host employer to confirm that the role can provide appropriate supervision and learning opportunities.

We also work with host employers to support safe workplace practices and appropriate on-the-job training.

Government Support and Financial Assistance

Eligible apprentices may be able to access government support depending on their trade, qualification, location, commencement date and personal circumstances.

Women starting apprenticeships in eligible male-dominated trades may be able to access specialist support for women in trades, including mentoring and help with workplace or training barriers.

Apprentices in eligible housing construction or clean energy occupations may also qualify for Key Apprenticeship Program financial support. Payments can be worth up to $10,000 for an eligible full-time apprentice or $5,000 for an eligible part-time apprentice over the course of the apprenticeship.

Other support may include financial assistance for apprentices in priority occupations, NSW fee-free apprenticeships and apprentice concessions, or fee-free training for women in construction.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans may also help eligible apprentices with everyday expenses, but these are repayable loans rather than grants.

Eligibility rules can change. Speak with your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider to confirm which support may apply before relying on a payment or incentive.

What to Expect

Starting in a male-dominated trade can feel daunting, but the industry is changing fast and support has never been stronger. Our role is to place you in a safe, inclusive workplace and to be in your corner from your first day to qualification.

Why Choose 1300apprentice?

We are a not-for-profit organisation with more than 40 years of vocational education and training experience. We have provided long-term career opportunities to more than 5,500 people across apprenticeships and traineeships.

When you commence employment with us, we:

• become your legal employer;
• place you with a suitable host employer;
• pay your wages, superannuation and applicable entitlements;
• pay your TAFE or RTO enrolment fees; and
• provide ongoing Apprentice and Trainee Officer support.

How to Apply

Browse our current apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies and apply online.

If you cannot find a suitable role, you can submit your résumé so our recruitment team can consider you for future opportunities.

Employers looking for help with taking on a female apprentice

The Australian government have toolkits available to guide you with onboarding a female apprentice at your business.

Employers toolkit for women in trades

Hiring tradeswomen–A best practice guide for employers

References:

1. Department of Education Training Services NSW (2022) | Women in Trades Strategy 2021 – 2024 [Brochure] https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/women-in-trades-strategy%20v2.0_0.pdf
   
2. Whitson, R. (2022, July 21). Women in construction say gender diversity is needed to stamp out sexism. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-21/women-in-construction-gender-nawic-master-builders/101255318

3. Business Reporting (2023) Women in Non-traditional Trades in NSW, Public.tableau.com. Available at: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/business.reporting/viz/ATwomeninnon-traditionaltrades/WomeninNon-TraditionalTradesstory.

Additional support for Women in Construction

Read more: Women in construction: Supporting apprentices

Bunnings Trade regularly partners with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to host events, including Trade BBQ breakfasts, aimed at recognising and supporting women in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women do apprenticeships in trades?

Yes, women can apply for apprenticeships across the trades offered by 1300apprentice, subject to the requirements of each vacancy. Current pathways include construction, electrical, automotive, engineering, plumbing and horticulture trades.

What are the best trades for women?

The best trade for women is the one that suits your interests and strengths. Women succeed across all trades. Popular pathways include electrical, carpentry, plumbing, automotive, air conditioning and refrigeration, and horticulture.

Do you get paid as a woman in a trade apprenticeship?

Yes, women undertaking trade apprenticeships receive apprentice wages from the commencement of their formal employment. The applicable rate depends on the award or agreement, age, school completion, apprenticeship stage, hours and other employment conditions.

Is there support or funding for women in trades?

Yes, there is support/funding for women in trades. Women in trades are a government priority cohort, which can unlock incentives and support payments. Through 1300apprentice you also receive one-on-one mentoring and a supportive host employer.

How do I start a trade as a woman?

To start a trade apprenticeship as a woman, explore the pathways that interest you, review current vacancy requirements and submit an application online. If you are shortlisted, our team will contact you about the recruitment process and potential host-employer opportunities.

Do I need experience to start a trade?

Previous experience is not required for every trade apprenticeship, but entry criteria vary between vacancies. Individual jobs may require a driver licence, reliable transport, a White Card, work rights, physical capability or previous study.