The changing face of Australia’s workforce. Why more women want to get trade qualified.
Today, woman represent over 46 per cent of the total workforce in Australia, with more than half working full-time, yet, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the full-time average weekly ordinary earnings for women are 15.3% less than for men.
According to research conducted by Fi Shewrig from the organisation Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT Australia), that whilst women have worked in the trades for hundreds of years, the knowledge of women’s capability is not maintained. And it’s clear that Australia still has a long way to go until there are equal opportunities for women in the trades.
Women pursuing careers in trades have long been faced with challenges and obstacles that have impeded or deterred their career aspirations. Along with the social and cultural norms, research has identified that limited education and training, technical skills, and work readiness act as potential barriers to the participation of women in blue-collar jobs. But now, training for women is becoming more readily accessible.
Get qualified in the trade of your choice
With the growing demand for an upgraded and more skilled labour force, Programmed Training Services provides customised training programs to meet specific workforce development needs that support and develop engaged, safe and productive apprentices from all walks of life.
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 utilize women’s talents, along with men’s.
It’s the things we say and do that make young girls believe these great jobs are only for boys. We must change our own behaviours so that girls consider and take on careers like a painter, electrician or a systems engineer; just like girls can play AFL – Chris Sutherland, Programmed Managing Director
Programmed Training Services’ success stories of women in the workplace
Meet some of our amazing women who wanted to get trade qualified and are now currently undergoing or who have completed an apprenticeship or traineeship with Programmed Training Services
Ebony Antonio // Electrical Technologies Apprenticeship
Status: in progress
You may know Ebony as an AFLW player for the Fremantle Dockers. However, what many people don’t know is that she is also completing an Electrical Technologies Apprenticeship with Programmed. Alongside her achievements with the Dockers, as a woman in the trades industry Ebony represents a change in society. Her determination to live her dreams is paving the way for future generations of young women and girls to do the same.
Leanne Matthews // Design Traineeship
Status: complete
Leanne previously worked as a waitress in a cafe shop. Wanting a career change, she applied for a role with Programmed Training Services and worked as a recruitment consultant for 12 months. When an opportunity to complete a Design Traineeship with the company came up, Leanne didn’t hesitate. Progressing through the recruitment process, Leanne was a standout at client interviews and secured a position in the program. Eighteen months later, Leanne is ‘Acting Team Leader’ for her division and earning over $100 thousand per year – beats serving coffee!
Leanne still keeps in touch with the team at Programmed Training Services, and says she is “very grateful” for the opportunity that we were able to provide her.
If you too, like Ebony and Leanne, are ready to kick-start your career with a trade qualification, contact Programmed Training Services today.
Programmed is a leading Staffing and Maintenance organisation, providing staffing, professional, technical, training and maintenance services across Australia and New Zealand with more than 20,000 employees supporting industry.
Are you ready for your next career opportunity? Browse jobs here
