Apprenticeships to learn a trade are often a male dominated area, which can make attempting a career as a woman in these areas somewhat daunting. However, there are lots of services which offer support to women in apprenticeships, to make the option of learning a trade a much more accessible one.
In 2008, only 11% of trade workforces were made up of women, and the government is taking steps to balance out the numbers. Learning a trade apprenticeship is a rewarding and valuable career option, and it is important that girls feel they can attempt one if they wish to.
Support services available
There are many websites and support services available for women in apprenticeships. The Queensland Government offers the website Women in Hard Hats. Here, women in apprenticeships or thinking of starting one can find information for awareness workshops, interviews with current apprentices, and mailing lists.
There are also industry specific groups that encourage jobs for women, such as ‘girls with spark’ for those interested in becoming an electrician, or ‘tap girls’ for women interested in plumbing apprenticeships.
The National Association of Women in Construction also exists to raise the profile of women in the construction industry. Mentorship programs are also available, depending on the industry, with mentors on hand to guide women through their apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn lifelong skills while being paid to learn.
Areas of expertise can range from carpentry, to mechanics, to plumbing, even to engineering, so there are areas to suit all interests and skill levels. Girls are even able to study a pre-apprenticeship course during school, to try their hand at the apprenticeship and get a head start. There are many organisations that exist to encourage trade occupations for women, so there is no reason they won’t feel welcome in a trade.