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    Female tradies building the future workforce

    TAFE NSW Wollongong | 3 March 2025

    Two female solar engineers installing panels on a home's roof.

    Female tradies building the future workforce

    “I think a lot of women would surprise themselves about what they're capable of achieving in the construction industry”

    Jacinta Cliff

    To mark Women in Construction Week (2-8 March) and International Women’s Day (8 March), female TAFE NSW students are urging women to consider a career in construction trades amid a widening skills gap.

    Approximately 1.37 million people are employed in Australia’s building and construction industry. Women account for only 3.1 per cent of trades workers, according to data Master Builders Australia collated in July last year.

    22-year-old, Jacinta Cliff, is completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology as part of an apprenticeship and is one of a growing number of women taking advantage of the career opportunities in the booming industry.

    from L-R: Leonie Davies, Rebecca Napier, Naomi George

    Jacinta has secured an apprenticeship with BlueScope and said she hasn’t looked back, calling out the benefit of being able to earn while she works towards a qualification, and acquiring skills that will come in handy in many aspects of life.

    "It's the perfect way to get your foot in the door. Studying at TAFE NSW built my confidence, and my teacher helped challenge me to take my skills to the next level.

    "I think a lot of women would surprise themselves about what they're capable of achieving in this industry.

    "Every day is different, and the learning and growth opportunities in the industry mean I can continue to progress in my career. If you have the motivation, the sky is the limit of what you could achieve,” said Ms Cliff.

    NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

    “The construction industry needs more skilled workers, and encouraging more women to enter and succeed in the sector is key to meeting that demand.

    “The women studying traditional trades at TAFE NSW are proving that gender is no barrier to building a successful career in the industry and making a real impact.

    “By encouraging gender diversity in construction, we’re not only helping individuals build rewarding careers but also strengthening the entire workforce and economy.”

    TAFE NSW Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins said:

    “With the region's building trades sector growing, there is an enormous opportunity to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.”

    “Increasing the number of women in trades is absolutely necessary, and it's critical that we are getting the right people into the right jobs, regardless of gender," Ms Perkins said.

    Media contact: Holly Simpson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 7920 5000

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