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Emergence of Women in Trades: Opportunities and Earnings Revealed
Recent research has unveiled that certain trades in Australia present lucrative opportunities for women, with earnings reaching up to $2,404 weekly. As the country grapples with a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, there’s an increasing push for more female participation in these sectors, notably in building and construction.
Current statistics indicate that female workers constitute a mere three per cent of qualified tradies in these industries. However, there are roles where female representation is markedly higher. NextMinute, a trade job platform, conducted an analysis of labour market data alongside SEEK statistics to pinpoint the roles which not only see increased female involvement but also offer attractive salary packages. According to NextMinute CEO Alex Jenks, the growing presence of women in trades enriches the workforce with diversity, skill, and innovative perspectives.
Jenks highlighted that while improvements are necessary, the current trends reflect significant progress and potential for women contemplating careers in trades.
Key Insights from the Research
The analysis reveals that handyperson roles enjoy a higher female engagement, with women making up 8% of the workforce in that category. Presently, over 3,000 job listings for handypersons are available on SEEK, offering a median full-time wage of $1,307 weekly. Other trades exhibiting rising female participation include fencing (5%), cabinetmaking (5%), and electricians (4%).
Electrician positions, in particular, are in high demand, with upwards of 16,700 job advertisements currently listed, and a median weekly earning of $2,204. This aligns with separate findings from Employment Hero, which reported an 8% year-on-year wage growth in construction and trades, resulting in a median hourly rate of $50.60 across the sector.
Top Trades for Women and Their Earnings
The following list showcases the top five trades popular with female workers, along with their respective average weekly incomes:
- Handyperson: 8% female participation, $1,307 median weekly wage.
- Building and Plumbing Labourers: 7% female share, $1,634 median weekly wage.
- Cabinetmakers: 5% female share, $1,216 median weekly wage.
- Fencer: 5% female share, $30 median hourly earnings.
- Electrician: 4% female participation, $2,204 median weekly wage.
Government Initiatives and Advocacy
The Australian government has reacted to the urgent need for female participation in trades by announcing a $45 million investment aimed at promoting women in this industry. This funding is intended to support initiatives for advocacy, networking, recruitment, and training designed specifically for women.
Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, acknowledged that Australia has one of the highest rates of industry segregation among advanced economies. Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, noted that enhancing women’s roles in trades is crucial to confronting skills shortages and securing a prosperous future for the nation.
According to Master Builders Australia, women represent 15% of the building and construction workforce, yet only 3% work directly in hands-on roles. The organisation emphasised that fostering cultural change and creating flexible work structures will be vital to attracting and retaining women within these fields.
Conclusion
The push for increasing women’s representation in trades not only addresses workforce deficiencies but also introduces diverse skills and viewpoints into an industry traditionally dominated by men. With the combination of encouraging statistics and government support, the future appears promising for women considering a career in trades.
As these dynamics evolve, it will be critical for ongoing discussions and initiatives to focus on the sustained engagement of women in these vital roles. The journey towards equity in the trades sector continues, bolstered by both positive trends and proactive measures.
