Big sister helps WA women complete apprenticeships in vital sectors

A $4 million Albanese Government investment will back more women in Western Australia to start and complete apprenticeships in electrotechnology, construction and clean energy.

The Big Sister: Advanced Mentoring WA project provides end‑to‑end support to help women explore career options and prepare for work, leading to long-term careers in high-demand sectors. 

Funded through the Albanese Government’s Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program, Big Sister is a women‑focused apprenticeship initiative delivered in WA by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) in partnership with industry, training and research organisations. 

Currently, only four per cent of WA’s electrical workforce are women. By strengthening pathways into apprenticeships and providing ongoing, women‑led support, the Big Sister project aims to increase apprenticeship commencements and improve completion rates across the state. 

Once in training, women will be supported with mentoring delivered by experienced women tradespeople providing advice, insights and connection, helping apprentices navigate training environments and worksites and reducing the isolation experienced by women in male‑dominated industries. 

The Big Sister: Advanced Mentoring WA project is delivered by the ETU in partnership with Electrotechnology Training Institute Ltd, Nilsen Pty Ltd, NSG (BOFFA) Pty Ltd, Peer TC Pty Ltd, Energy Skills Australia and the University of Sydney. Partners bring together industry expertise, training capability and research to deliver mentoring, employer support and evidence‑based evaluation.

The BWC program is a $60 million investment by the Albanese Government, supporting structural and cultural change to improve women’s access to safe, inclusive training and work opportunities.

More information is available at www.dewr.gov.au/building-womens-careers-program. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“We want to back in more women across WA to start apprenticeships, stay in training and finish with skills that lead to secure jobs in construction and clean energy. 

“Too many women leave apprenticeships early because they do not get the support they need. Big Sister changes that by connecting women with mentors, guidance and workplaces that are safe and supportive. 

“When women have the right support around them, they are more likely to stay in training, finish their apprenticeship and move into secure, well-paid work.”

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Amber-Jade Sanderson  

“The Cook Government is committed to increasing the number of women in trades and supporting them to thrive in these male-dominated industries.

“The launch of Big Sister comes at a crucial time for our state, with major investment in priority projects, building and construction, and the clean energy transition.

“By providing safe and supportive environments for women, we can strengthen WA’s workforce and make meaningful progress in addressing long-term skills challenges.”