Women make up half of the population, yet only 1-3% of tradespeople in Australia are women. In an industry that is highly stigmatised but also suffers from chronic skill shortages, female participation is key. But how do we increase workforce participation in trades amongst women?

Busy at Work, an Australian Apprenticeships Support Network, has been very busy (sorry we can’t help it!) at trying to close the gender gap in trades and apprenticeships. Throughout Queensland and Western Australia, BUSY works closely with schools and job seekers to support them in career pathways through Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

When it comes to encouraging women to pursue their dream careers, Busy at Work currently offer:

• School-Based Apprenticeships
  “Young women in school can explore trade paths through school-based apprenticeships. One day per week they work with a local employer towards an apprenticeship accreditation that becomes part of their school curriculum.”

• Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program
  “Teaming up with the local industry, BUSY offers a State-Government funded program in a variety of courses. Recently we held a Women in Mechanics course where women who are interested in heavy diesel mechanics career pathways gained a Certificate II in Automotive Pathways. Brisbane City Council partnered with BUSY and will be taking on some of the graduates into apprenticeships. Plus we have also offered women-specific trade courses in Boating (with a Certificate II in Engineering) and encourage women to enrol in our regular construction courses. In 2021, BUSY will offer a great course with Brisbane City Council’s Cross River Rail project and already have a number of female participants enrolled.”
  

Helping Youth Transition to Work

“Transition to Work is an Australian Government initiative that supports young people aged 15 – 24 who have left school early or who have had trouble finding work after school, into further study or a career pathway. The program works with young people to build their skills and confidence to enter the workforce.”

Busy At Work also delivers the Transition to Work program in the Sunshine Coast and Townsville regions.  For further information on this program and to find out how to get involved, visit the website here.

Busy at Work’s Top 3 Tips for Young Women Considering an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to give it a go

You can explore whether this career path is for you through programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work or Transition to Work.

Tip #2: Don’t worry about changing your mind

Throughout your working career, you may change career pathways many times over! So just start, and work it out as you go. You’ll soon know what you love, and what you want to keep working in.

Tip #3: Try our free career assessment tool to help you decide what career path is for you

Cognisess is a world-leading assessment tool that provides you with a unique report on your strengths and work preferences – and it costs nothing to do!

For more info and to register go to https://bit.ly/35URVWF 

Get in touch with Busy at Work to explore their school-based apprenticeships and post-school career options here: 

• If you are looking for post-school career options in Queensland, call 13 28 79 or email busy@busyatwork.com.au  

• More information regarding BUSY At Work can be found at www.busyatwork.comm.au 

• You can also explore a range of apprenticeship or traineeship job vacancies on their nation-wide jobs site – www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au