Powering Her Pathways set to boost women's participation in Gippsland's clean energy workforce

The Albanese Government is supporting local efforts to boost women’s workforce participation in the clean energy sector with today’s launch of the Powering Her Pathways project in Morwell.

The project is receiving almost $1 million under the Albanese Government’s $60 million Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program to support industry organisations in the Gippsland region to help attract and retain women in clean energy jobs by embedding gender-inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces.

With women comprising only 16 per cent of the energy sector workforce and six per cent of energy trade apprentices in training, projects like Powering Her Pathways aim to support industry to address this imbalance and unlock more skilled workers.

The Powering Her Pathways project will:

• deliver tailored training, create pathways to skilled clean energy jobs, and equip employers to implement best practice gender-inclusive environments;
• work to break down the barriers women face in their clean energy careers, from awareness and recruitment, to retention, training and workplace culture; and
• tackle structural challenges in training environments and help build inclusive, equitable workplaces.

Powering Her Pathways is a regional initiative led by Tradeswomen Australia in partnership with Engie and Gippsland TAFE.

The Albanese Government’s Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program drives structural and cultural change and seeks to improve women's access to flexible, safe and inclusive training and work opportunities in the male-dominated sectors of construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology.

For more information on BWC projects, visit: www.dewr.gov.au/building-womens-careers-program

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

“The clean energy industry is continuing to expand, and with it, new opportunities for secure, long-term, well-paid work. To get more workers into clean energy we need to be encouraging everyone – not just half of the population – to consider a career in the industry.

“By investing in inclusive training and workplace practices, the Albanese Government is working to open doors to skilled careers and help build a future workforce that reflects the diversity of local communities, including here in Gippsland.

“Strong partnerships are at the heart of this work. By bringing together industry, education and community organisations, we’re building momentum for lasting change across sectors that are critical to Australia’s clean energy future.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone:

“The Albanese Government is working to ensure all Australians, including in regional communities across Gippsland, are supported to take up the growing career opportunities in the clean energy industry.

“It’s a testament to the hard work of Tradeswomen Australia, with partners Engie and TAFE Gippsland, that their Powering Her Pathways project was one of 20 projects Australia-wide to receive funding through Federal Labor’s Building Women’s Careers program.

“Ensuring women have access to equal career opportunities in all industries and sectors is part of our Government’s commitment to closing the gender gap and addressing Australia’s skills shortages.”

ENDS