In 2025, Australia’s construction industry continues to experience significant growth, with the sector contributing over $360 billion to the national economy. However, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labour navigating a post-COVID economy, with estimates indicating a need for an additional 250,000 workers over the next five years. Despite this demand, women make up less than 15% of the workforce in construction (with less than 5% working directly on the tools), a gender disparity that highlights the urgent need to encourage more female participation. By diversifying the talent pool, the industry could help address its labour shortage while also fostering innovation and creativity.
Trade schools and apprenticeships play a pivotal role in this process, offering hands-on, accessible pathways for women to enter and succeed in the field. These programs provide essential technical skills, mentorship, and real-world experience that empower women, particularly students, to build long-lasting careers in construction.
As the demand for skilled workers intensifies, trade schools and apprenticeships offer an ideal platform for women to gain the expertise and confidence needed to excel in the industry.
Amanda Bulow, Founder & CEO at Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), comments, “It is great to see the number of trade schools educating and supporting the next generation. School-based apprenticeship also play a key role in providing a pipeline of skilled workers. Providing access to mentoring from an early stage ensures our next generation of women entering the construction industry understand the extensive community of support they have.”
Understanding the role of trade education
Trade schools in Australia offer a robust curriculum designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in the construction industry. These schools provide hands-on training in a variety of trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Alongside technical education, students receive certification that is recognised across the industry, ensuring their qualifications are respected by employers. Trade education offers a flexible pathway for women, enabling them to enter the workforce without the long-term commitment of a traditional university degree. With a focus on practical, real-world learning, these programs allow women to gain the skills necessary to build a career in construction, regardless of their prior experience.
Apprenticeships play a critical role in empowering women by providing invaluable real-world experience. As part of an apprenticeship, women work under the guidance of experienced professionals, gaining practical, on-the-job training while earning a wage. This structure not only helps them build confidence and competence but also fosters vital mentorship relationships that support career development. Apprenticeships create networking opportunities and provide a supportive environment for women to learn and grow within the construction industry. Through these programs, women can gain hands-on experience while simultaneously developing professional connections that may lead to full-time employment and career advancement. This combination of earning while learning, coupled with mentorship and networking, significantly enhances women’s prospects in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Trade schools and apprenticeships play a vital role in breaking down barriers for women entering the Australian construction industry by offering practical experience that significantly boosts confidence and refines skills. Unlike theoretical education, hands-on training in real-world environments allows women to overcome initial doubts and gain the competence needed to succeed in their chosen trades. This practical exposure is often the key to developing a sense of mastery and self-assurance. Additionally, supportive networks such as women’s groups, unions, and mentors are crucial in providing guidance, encouragement, and advocacy. These networks offer women a space to share experiences, receive advice, and find solidarity in a male-dominated industry.
Leon Ward, Regional Lead for PlanRadar Australia + New Zealand, notes, “Having a strong support system can make a substantial difference, helping women navigate challenges, grow professionally, and stay motivated throughout their career journeys in construction.”
Programs, opportunities and initiatives: What’s available?
In recent years, Australia has seen a rise in government and industry initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in the construction sector. Several programs and scholarships are designed to support women entering trade schools and apprenticeships. Notable examples include:
- The Women in Construction Scholarship (Construction Industry Training Board, CITB): This initiative supports women seeking to enter the construction workforce through financial assistance, mentorship, and industry networking opportunities. More information here.
- The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program (Australian Government): This program encourages women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated trades, offering incentives for employers who hire female apprentices. Learn more here.
- The Women’s Empowerment in Construction (WEiC) Program (Master Builders Australia): This program focuses on providing skills, support, and leadership development for women in construction. It includes mentorship and networking opportunities tailored to women looking to progress in the field. Visit the website here.
Several organizations also advocate for women in construction, offering resources, networking, and opportunities for professional growth. Key players in the field include:
- National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC): NAWIC is dedicated to promoting women’s roles in the Australian construction industry through professional development, mentoring, and educational programs. Learn more here.
- Women in Building and Construction (WBC): The WBC provides a platform for women to connect, build relationships, and share experiences in the construction sector. It also offers guidance on career pathways and professional growth. More details here.
These programs and organizations play a crucial role in bridging the gender gap and empowering women in the Australian construction industry.
The future of trade education for Australian students: Trends and opportunities
As the demand for skilled workers in Australia’s construction industry continues to grow, the future of female trade education looks brighter than ever. In recent years, there has been a concerted push to attract more women into trades, with targeted programs designed to break down barriers and provide much-needed support. Scholarships, apprenticeships, and dedicated networking opportunities are becoming more accessible, specifically catering to young women who may have previously faced challenges entering the sector. Industry leaders and educational institutions are collaborating to create pathways that help female students not only gain technical skills but also thrive in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. These initiatives are gradually transforming the workforce, ensuring women have equal access to career opportunities and the resources they need to succeed.
Amanda Bulow notes, “The increase in resources and programs to support and highlight the roles available for women in construction, is a step in the right direction. Next, we need the industry to provide work experience and mentor them. Providing work experience options cements the skills and knowledge they have learnt on the job. It also provides the industry with a strong pipeline of employees, filling the increasing skilled labour shortage .”
Looking ahead, there are a number of innovative trends on the horizon that could further accelerate the growth of female trade education in construction. Technology-led training opportunities, such as the rise of online learning platforms, is increasingly opening doors for women in rural and remote areas, making it easier to access trade education without the need to relocate. New educational programs are also focusing on the development of leadership skills, business acumen, and mentorship opportunities for women, preparing them for long-term careers in construction management and entrepreneurship.
Leon Ward concludes, “As the industry continues to evolve and embrace diversity, these innovations will play a pivotal role in ensuring that women have a strong presence in shaping the future of Australia’s construction sector.”
Upcoming AWIC event: Celebrating International Womens Day
Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) have an exciting opportunity for students to participate in the upcoming AWIC International Women’s Day Lunch, proudly supported with funding from Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). This event will be held on Friday, 7th March.
The focus of this event is to support all roles within the construction industry, and this opportunity is no different. This initiative highlights the importance of not only attracting young women to the construction sector but also creating a supportive environment to retain and nurture their growth.
Thanks to the ongoing support of Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the AWIC team are offering 25 complimentary tickets to eligible students – contact [email protected] or visit www.awic.org.au for more information about how you can support AWIC in engaging and empowering the next generation.
About Awesome Women In Construction (AWIC)
Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) is a Queensland-based not for profit organisation with a national footprint, championing all women to have meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction industry. What started in March 2017 with just 14 ladies attending a ‘women in construction breakfast’, is now a powerful community impacting the active careers and future careers of countless women.
AWIC is now a key player in the movement towards gender equality and empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With a robust membership base, education and training network, stellar industry reputation, government support, and a proven track record of impactful initiatives, AWIC is committed to the growth and sustainability of the construction sector, and are actively seeking corporate partners who share our vision of increasing female representation from 15%* in 2024 to 40% by 2040.
Find out more at the AWIC website, or follow AWIC on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or TikTok.
About PlanRadar
PlanRadar is a leading platform for digital documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects. It enables customers to work more efficiently, enhance quality and achieve full project transparency. By improving collaboration and providing access to real-time data, PlanRadar’s easy-to-use platform adds value to every person involved in a building’s lifecycle, with flexible capabilities for all company sizes and processes.
PlanRadar’s Australian chapter is currently partnered with AWIC, EPIC Group, Fire Protection Association Australia, was recently announced as a Best Stand Winner at the 2024 Fire Australia Expo, and an Established Suppliers Winner at the 2023 Australian National PropTech Awards in the category “Design, Build & Develop”. They also work closely with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australia, Future Place and Digital Built Environment.
Today, PlanRadar serves more than 170,000 users across 75+ countries.
Explore the PlanRadar platform or book a free PlanRadar product demo to find out more.
