Trade pathways for women

Get involved in the NSW Government program to get more women into trades. The program helps tackle skills shortages in trades areas. It also offers women employment security in high demand industries.

On this page

Training Services NSW is working to get more women into trades.  

This strategy is part of the Trade Pathways Program. 

This page explains why and how this approach is important. 

See Women in Trades initiatives to find out what’s already available to help women in trades. 

You can also download the Women in Trades Strategy 2021-2024 brochure or contact us at WomeninTrades@det.nsw.edu.au. 

Why the new approach 

Women are underrepresented in trades – making up only 2% of qualified trade workers. 

The lack of women entering trades is a serious economic issue (The Productivity Commission White Paper released on 31 May 2021) 

Women are vital to addressing trade skill shortages. 

Trade careers are rewarding and improve economic security for women. 

Why there are low numbers of women in trades

Research shows that it’s partly cultural.  

Some industries resist encouraging women in the workforce.  

There are perceptions built up over time about which jobs and roles are ’suitable’ for women. 

Women often don’t enter the trades industry because they perceive that it’s male dominated. 

Why we need women in trades 

Nationwide there are critical skills shortages in industries such as building and construction. Women are an untapped market. The trades industry offers women employment stability and economic security. 

How the strategy will work 

This strategy comes from research and consultation with industry and women’s advocacy groups. 

The Trade Pathways Program aims to: 

  • champion women in trades  

  • create informed, accessible and supported pathways from start to finish 

  • increase awareness of gender discrimination in trades workplaces, including helping workplace supervisors manage conscious and unconscious bias 

  • improve access and opportunities so women can take the first step into a trades career. 

Key messages 

  • Women are vital to addressing trade skill shortages 

  • Trade careers are rewarding and positively impact on the economic security of women 

  • Innovative marketing will reinvent the image of women in trades 

  • Strong relationships between the NSW Government and industry will help redress the gender imbalance in trades. 

Women in trades initiatives

Further information and resources

 

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