New data reveals a major shift in Australia’s workforce, with nearly 80% more women now entering apprenticeships in traditionally male-dominated trades. Figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlight this sharp increase, showing that policies aimed at encouraging female participation in construction, clean energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing are gaining serious traction.
The Albanese Government has placed this shift at the forefront of its agenda, with policies specifically designed to elevate women into high-paying roles in industries where men have historically dominated. The latest initiative, the Building Women’s Careers Program, announced in the 2024-25 Budget, is already shaping Australia’s apprenticeship landscape. The program is set to dismantle cultural and structural barriers that have long kept women from thriving in these sectors.
As part of its broader commitment, the Government revamped the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services in July 2024, embedding support mechanisms for women to ensure they not only enter these industries but succeed in them. This builds on a string of initiatives targeting skilled trades, including a $90.6 million investment earlier this year to tackle shortages in the construction and housing sectors through programs like Fee-Free TAFE and pre-apprenticeship training.
These efforts appear to be paying off. The NCVER data shows an astonishing 115% rise in women starting apprenticeships as electricians since 2019, making them integral to the nation’s ambitious goal of constructing 1.2 million new homes while also transitioning to a clean energy economy. This increase in female apprentices is not an isolated case; male and female participation in trades critical to Australia’s future, such as welding and fitting, have also surged by 26% compared to 2019.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said these numbers are reflective of a necessary change in how society views trades like building and electrical work. “We need to change the stereotypes about what a builder or electrician looks like, and that’s what our investments are doing,” said Giles. He highlighted the inspiring stories of women like Nikita from the Hunter Valley and Melanie from Hobart, who are part of this transformative wave. Their success, he said, “demonstrates that all jobs are open to all of us.”
This data underscores the government’s progress in tackling the skills crisis inherited from previous administrations. While the push for more skilled workers is clearly gaining momentum, the influx of women into these roles signifies not just economic recovery, but a social shift towards inclusivity in industries long seen as out of reach for many women.
The Government’s partnership with state and territory bodies is further enhancing this progress by expanding access to free training and apprenticeships. With these efforts continuing, there’s every reason to believe that the 80% rise in women apprentices is just the beginning of a broader transformation in Australia’s workforce.
As more women train in trades and take up pivotal roles in construction and beyond, the long-held notion of what defines a “tradie” is being redefined, and the path towards a more diverse, skilled workforce is becoming clearer by the day.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
