- Traditionally, females represent 2-3% of trade workers
- Rate has recently increased to 5% in Queensland
- Female construction apprentices have doubled over past decade
The Palaszczuk Government has encouraged more women to join the $45B construction industry as targets are exceeded.
Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Public Works and Procurement, attended the QBuild social housing construction site where female involvement is hitting 30%.
He says whilst traditionally the number of female tradies has been in the 2-3% range, in recent times this has increased to 5% and he hopes to build this further.
“By setting targets at the QBuild construction site, the Palaszczuk Government is creating a blueprint to encourage more female participation across government building projects,” said Mr de Brenni
Shannon Fentiman, the Minister for Women, said the project is a significant sign of greater equality within worksites.
“In Australia, electricians, carpenters and plumbers represent one-third of all construction trades and we want women to be able to take advantage of these jobs, just like anyone else,” said Ms Fentiman.
Brett Schimming, Construction Skills Queensland CEO, said research from his organisation has confirmed a trend in more women choosing construction careers.
“Attracting women to the industry has always been a challenge but recent trends suggest the mould may have finally been broken,” Mr Schimming said.
“The increase in women undertaking trade training is a further positive sign of changes underway – female construction apprentices almost doubled over the last decade, during a time that saw male apprentice numbers stagnate and fall.
“We can see a strong correlation between these female training numbers and the overall representation of women in the local construction industry.”
