Empowering Diversity In Our Trades Industry

Tradeswomen Australia Foundation promotes apprenticeship pathways to women specialising in male-dominated industries. Less than 3% of the Australian trade workforce is represented by women and Tradeswomen Australia is striving to increase this figure.

Joining forces with the Australian Government Department of Education and Training through real skills for real careers and WorldSkills Australia, Trades Women Australia has set out to run a large scale event that will positively promote apprenticeships in the building and construction industry. The campaign which is set to run during National Skills Week will include two groups of apprentice’s, tradesmen and tradeswomen, competing to build a small cubbyhouse to showcase their skills.

Research from the Department of Human Services explains Diversity is central to innovation. It brings forth new and better ways of doing things, helps us to harness the benefits of technology and improve the efficiency and quality of our services. Inclusion is the key to unlocking this potential.

“We are looking forward to the cubby building contest as it gives us the opportunity to show employers and the community what it looks like and what you can achieve by employing a diverse workforce” Fiona Lawrie, Tradeswomen Australia Director

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released the latest figures on apprentice and trainee numbers in the March 2017 quarter with commencements in apprenticeships dropping a significant 44% since 2013 and
completions dropped 49.9%.

“WorldSkills Australia passionately supports this initiative by Tradeswomen Australia and we encourage our volunteer workforce, along with current and past competitors to get involved” Brett Judd CEO WorldSkills Australia.

The event is taking place at Docklands, Melbourne on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th August and is open to school students, career advisors and those interested in a learning more about a career path within the trades industry.

Media Release Provided by Minapre Events & TradesWomen Australia