About the women in trades program
Across NSW many employers are looking for women and girls to take up rewarding trade careers.
All women apprentices and trainees should be supported and safe at work to complete their training and thrive in rewarding careers.
The women in trades program aims to improve training and career outcomes for women and girls, and supports more inclusive work sites and workplace culture.
A range of practical resources support:
- employers to provide safe, flexible and productive workplaces, including for women apprentices and trainees in trades.
- women apprentices and trainees helping them to participate, complete their training and then progress into meaningful careers.
Savannah, apprentice fitter and machinist, Plasser Australia
My name is Savannah and I'm a second-year fitter and machinist.
Tara, apprentice fitter and machinist, Plasser Australia
My name is Tara, and I'm a third-year apprentice at TAFE NSW and I'm studying mechanical engineering.
Savannah
I'm amazed at what I know now. Like, I never thought I'd be where I am and I'm just very proud of myself. I really am.
Tara
I was a chef before. And then, yeah, I love the hands-on work in the mechanical trade, so I decided to start doing an apprenticeship.
Savannah
So I'm in sheet metal at the moment. I'm doing a bit of fabrication work and then after that’s done, I will do my yearly rotation to a section that they'll suggest to me.
Tara
Networking with other women in trades is really important because it brings everyone together. And I guess it just encourages all of us to just give it a go.
Savannah
My advice to women in trade is to just do it. It's the best decision that I've ever made. So, yeah, it's really good.
What are the benefits of a trade career?
Trades careers are for everyone, including women and girls, and offer employment security, including:
- high earning career in high-paying industries
- in demand skills development
- opportunities to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Women’s employment in trades is vital to address the skill shortages across NSW in critical skills areas, including:
- construction
- electrotechnology
- automotive
- engineering
- advanced manufacturing
- and other male-dominated trades and industries.
There has been steady growth of more women entering trades that historically have been male-dominated in NSW.
Between 1995 to 2025
- Women commencing a trade has grown by 175%.
- Women completing a trade qualification has grown by 170%.
Source: NCVER data Historical time series of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia from 1963 to 2025.
Contact us
Email: WITsupport@det.nsw.edu.au.
Last modified date
05/11/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
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Executive director’s business unit
Communication & Engagement