Almost 80 per cent more women are training as apprentices in male-dominated trades new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows.
Female participation in trades continues to increase and is being supported by the Building Women’s Careers Program which was announced in the 2024/25 federal budget.
The federal 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 per cent 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 technicians, welders, and fitters and turners, are up 26 per cent overall compared to the same time in 2019.
Minister for Skills & Training, Andrew Giles, said the goal is to change stereotypes about what a builder or electrician looks like.
“We are committed to providing apprentices the support they need to see them through their training into a secure, rewarding career,” he said.
Jobs and Skills Australia is giving fresh insights into the Australian labour market with the latest findings from their online tool called the Occupation Shortage List, or OSL.
This year's results show 33 per cent of all jobs are in shortage nationally, down from 36 per cent in 2023.
Jobs and Skills Australia's Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover, said some areas continue to have high shortages.
They include the categories of Technicians and Traded Workers. According to the data, the median earnings for a refrigeration and air conditioning technician is $2,019 per week and the average age of a technician is 35.