Representation Of Women In Trades Continues To Grow

The combination of higher job vacancies and a greater focus on gender diversity by employers has presented more opportunities for women in trades than ever before.

National Skills Week has highlighted opportunities for women to pursue careers through vocational education and apprenticeships across a wide range of trades, industry sectors and locations.

More opportunities for women will be created with the Federal Government’s commitment to spend an additional $30 billion on Vocational Education and Training (VET) over the next five years.

The Federal Government’s latest Jobs and Skills Australia Skills Shortage Quarterly report shows fill rates, the number of positions filled relative to advertised job vacancies in trades remain persistently low.

Fill rates for technician and trade workers are consistently below 50 percent and are ht lowest of all major group occupations.

The low fill rates indicate shortage pressures for occupations within this broad group are relatively more acute.

Industry estimates indicate there is presently a shortfall of 90,000 tradespeople nationally, while only three percent of tradespeople in construction are women.

Addressing the female participant imbalance is key to improving participation in trades.

Chair of National Skills Week, Brian Wexham said gender gaps in trades need to be closed with a coordinated approach that begins with an emphasis on vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities.

“National Skills Week continues to be a catalyst for those seeking careers as tradespeople,” Mr Wexham said.

“It’s no longer a matter of recruiting people of the right gender, it’s about recruiting people with the right skills and there are numerous success stories demonstrating women have those skills.”

CEO of Brick & Block Careers, Michael Morrissey said the Building and Construction industry was also attracting female participation.

Brick and block laying vacancies are high, and there are excellent career pathway opportunities in bricklaying.

“We aim to fulfil the career aspirations of young Australians and job seekers, by providing employment opportunities in brick and block laying,” Mr Morrissey said.

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• Employment & Training