Building a stronger pipeline of Women in Trades

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said organisations in flood-affected communities are encouraged to apply, providing women with training and job readiness skills to help local towns recover and rebuild. 

“Women make up only two per cent of construction and engineering trade workers, and these grants will enable organisations to design and deliver projects that break down barriers for women joining trades,” says Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens.

“The NSW Government is strengthening pathways for women in trades, offering fee-free training and long-term development opportunities, which has contributed to a 59 per cent increase in the number of women commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in the two years to March 2022,” says Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens.

“This program is focused on priority industries experiencing skills and labour shortages where women are underrepresented, such as electrotechnology and automotive,” says Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens.

The Connecting Women to Trades grants program will fund at least 15 projects across NSW, with organisations eligible to apply for up to $300,000.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program is being delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Women in Trades Strategy.

“Trades provide rewarding and well-paid careers, and by delivering more opportunities for women to enter these industries, we will continue to grow the pipeline of skilled workers and secure a brighter future for more women across NSW,” says Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor.

Source: © State of New South Wales

Image source: © State of New South Wales (Department of Education) 2022