More women are becoming tradespeople, but they still face problems

ABC Wide Bay

Topic: Small Businesses

Mon 27 Jul 2026 at 7:16am

Kirsten Drinkwater is a young apprentice. She works in a butcher shop.

In short:

More women in Queensland are starting apprenticeships in male-dominated trades.

But not many women are finishing their trade qualifications.

What's next?

Experts want more action to help women in critical industries.

Kirsten Drinkwater loves her job. She works with chicken carcasses.

Kirsten's grandfather was a butcher. He inspired her to become one too.

Kirsten's grandfather is very proud of her.

Kirsten is following in her grandfather's footsteps.

Kirsten is a second-year apprentice. More women are becoming butchers.

In Queensland, 35 women started a butcher's apprenticeship last year.

The number of female apprentice butchers has more than tripled since 2020.

This trend is seen in other trades like plumbing and electrical work.

Fewer women are starting hairdressing apprenticeships.

Kirsten thinks cultural attitudes are changing. It's becoming easier for women to work in male-dominated trades.

Kirsten feels that there's less fear of discrimination now.

Tamika Banks won an award for being a great apprentice.

Low completions

Sarojni Choy is a researcher. She studies the challenges female apprentices face.

Professor Choy says more women are drawn to trades, but they need more support.

Many women who start apprenticeships don't finish them.

Professor Choy sees a shift towards women working in non-traditional jobs.

The challenge is to keep these women in their jobs and help them finish their training.

Rae Cooper says more needs to be done to attract women to industries with skill shortages.

Female apprentices face serious sexual discrimination and harassment.

Rae Cooper is a director at the University of Sydney.

She found that many women in automotive trades experience sexual harassment.

Professor Cooper says everyday sexism is a big problem for women apprentices.

New laws require employers to stop sex discrimination and harassment.

Some employers are not taking these laws seriously enough.

Lack of support during pregnancy and childcare forces women out of trades.

Women tradies often advise younger apprentices to avoid getting pregnant during their training.

Broader funding needed

The federal government has programs to support women in the workforce.

Since 2025, the government has given $54.5 million to help women in certain industries.

Kirsten says the culture is changing, making it easier for women to work in male-dominated industries.

However, these programs only cover a few industries.

Professor Cooper says more needs to be done to attract women to other industries with skill shortages.

A spokesperson said women are doing well in free TAFE programs and can get additional grants.

New attitudes in the next generation

Professor Cooper says younger workers are driving cultural change.

Young women are less likely to put up with discrimination and harassment.

Kirsten plans to travel and learn about the small goods trade in other countries.

Kirsten advises girls to research their employers carefully.

It can be hard to find a workplace where you're accepted.

But once you find the right place, it's easy to settle in.

Practice Listening