Nearly 80% increase in women learning a trade

Almost 80% more women are training as apprentices in male-dominated trades new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows.

The data demonstrates the significant impact of the Albanese Government’s policies.

Since the election, the Government has committed to increasing female participation and supporting women to achieve high-paying careers in male-dominated industries, particularly construction, clean energy, technology and digital, and advanced manufacturing.

The Building Women’s Careers Program, announced in the 2024-25 Budget, is driving further structural and cultural change by supporting more women to train and take up jobs in male-dominated industries. 

The Albanese Government has made support for women in male-dominated trades a core part of the new model for Australian Apprenticeship Support Services which commenced 1 July 2024.

A further $90.6 million was also announced earlier this year to boost the number of skilled workers in the construction and housing sector under A Future Made in Australia.

Working with the state and territories, the funds are supporting Fee-Free TAFE places and training programs, and pre-apprenticeship programs in the construction and housing sectors.

This will continue to build on progress being made by women in male-dominated trades and the construction and housing sectors, which are priority areas for the government.

The data published today found that women starting apprenticeships as electricians are up 115% compared to 2019. This is contributing to the government’s goal of building 1.2 million new homes as well as the transition to a clean energy economy.

Data also showed that male and female apprentices commencing in trades critical to A Future Made in Australia, including welders, and fitters and turners, are up 26% overall compared to the same time in 2019.

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

“It’s great to see an increasing number of women apprentices in traditionally male-dominated trades. We need to change the stereotypes about what a builder or electrician looks like and that’s what our investments are doing.

“I’ve been inspired by the many women apprentices I’ve met, like Nikita from the Hunter and Melanie in Hobart. Their stories are important as we go about ensuring all jobs are open to all of us.

“With nearly 80% more women doing an apprenticeship in a male-dominated trade now than five years ago, the Albanese Government has made real progress towards fixing the skills crisis we inherited from the former LNP Government.

“We are committed to providing apprentices the support they need to see them through their training into a secure, rewarding career.”