Attitudes towards women still need to change for the state government’s agenda to double the number of women in trade industries becomes realistic.
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Female tradie, Grace Di Trapani is 19 years old and is a first-year building construction apprentice at Ladex Constructions.
While Ms Di Trapani has only worked alongside one other female construction worker, being in a male-dominated industry does not phase her.
”I was never really a school person and I have always preferred playing outdoor sports and a lot of my family are in the construction industry, so I just wanted to get into it and give it a go,” she said.
“I’ve never really felt disheartened in my career, but it can sometimes be challenging working with mainly boys.
“They can say some awkward things, but I just kind of go along with it.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force survey in 2012, only 13 per cent of jobs in the construction industry in NSW were performed by women.
If men weren’t as sexist towards women, I think more females would be attracted to this industry.
- Apprentice builder Grace Di Trapani
Ms Di Trapani welcomed action plans to increase women in trade-related industries, but argued attitudes need to change before this industry becomes more attractive.
“I think it’s pretty awesome, I think they need to get heaps more women into these trade related jobs, because it’s fun and you can enjoy it,” she said.
“There’s a lot more career paths now for women in the trade.
“However, blokes needs to encourage women to join the industry and be less sexist.
“If men weren’t as sexist towards women, I think more females would be attracted to this industry.”
Making the industry more attractive to women could also solve the skills shortage.
“I love being outdoors, learning new things, being hands-on and working with great people and I can’t wait to see where this career takes me,” she said.
TAFE NSW head of customer and stakeholder relations Jonathan Davis, said he has noticed already a change in attitudes within society.
“We’re getting more inquiries from women wanting to take on trade-related courses,” Mr Davis said.
“In the Riverina and Albury/Wodonga area, some of the schools are seeing more interest by women in vocational jobs like carpentry and plumbing.”
Mr Davis said this increase is being driven by major infrastructure that is being commissioned by the Victorian and NSW governments, causing demand for trade workers.
“It’s reflecting changes taking place in society, because it’s not just one-sided, we’re seeing more males becoming nurses and in aged care industries,” he said.
