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.
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
14/09/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
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Executive director’s business unit
Communication & Engagement