We see so many fantastic examples of trailblazing women in trades across our business, who are making their mark in a manual trade every day. So, it is hard to comprehend reports that say the number of women in the manual trades in Australia has barely budged in the last 20 years.
The Conversation reported that women make up just 3% of those employed in the electrotechnology and telecommunications trades, and only 1% of those working in construction, engineering and automotive trades.
They go on to suggest that one of the reasons this gender imbalance remains is because of the perception that trades are masculine professions and that career pathways into trades are not understood by schools and parents.
Creating career pathways where women thrive in trades
Programmed is 100 per cent committed to the pursuit of gender equality, both in pay and job opportunities. We are committed to improving gender balance within the Australian and New Zealand Workforce, necessitating a more inclusive and diverse workforce to fully use women’s talents, along with men’s.
Our Training Services team provides customised training programs to meet specific workforce development needs that support and develop engaged, safe and productive trainees and apprentices from all walks of life.
We work closely with our customers to create opportunities for women to start their career in a trade. We have seen many of our female apprentices achieve great things during and after their training with us, like Kathleen Jones and Kimberly Brewster.
Most recently, first-year electrical apprentice Antonia Moncrieff who was recognised for Outstanding Achievement in her studies at TAFE NSW Muswellbrook Mining Skills Program’s graduation night.
Antonia is hosted by Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) and employed by Programmed Training Services.
Antonia recently spoke to the Muswellbrook Chronicle about her experience studying a trade as a woman.
“My experience has been absolutely positive,” she explained.
“I haven’t observed any men versus women dynamic, in every interaction we’re just all working together to achieve a goal that benefits the company.
“All the tradesmen I come into contact with have enjoyed sharing their knowledge with me and just want to see me succeed.”
On the need for greater diversity in the industry, Antonia added: “Diversity brings different perspectives and problem-solving skills.
“I believe women are excellent at resolving conflict and mentoring others, whether female or male.
“I believe that’s one of our strengths.
“Women bring lots of positive qualities and with an increase in our participation comes an increase in highly-skilled people in the workplace.”
Programmed strives for diversity, inclusion and equality of our people. We seek a workforce that is representative of the communities we work in. We encourage people of all cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation or abilities to apply.
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