11 of the best trades for women in Australia: A nifty guide

Tradie jobs for women: breaking barriers in Australian trades

Women make up just 3.1% of trades workers in Australian building and construction sites despite being 13.6% of the broader building and construction workforce. That massive gap shows that trades are still mostly male-dominated, but it also shows that there’s a huge opportunity for women willing to challenge outdated ideas about who belongs on worksites.

Trades deliver what office jobs rarely do. You get financial security, the freedom to run your own show and skills that stay valuable for life. Qualified sparkies and chippies earn solid money regardless of gender, with clear paths to starting your own business once you’re experienced. Here, you’ll find 11 of the best trades for women as well as non-binary folk and why they’re worth exploring as a career path.

Why more women are choosing careers in the trades

Australian construction sites are changing. Walk onto any major project today and you’ll likely spot women operating excavators or managing carpentry crews. This isn’t tokenism but rather a real change that’s been building momentum over the past five years. Women’s workforce participation climbed from 61.2% to 63% between 2019 and 2024, with the number of female workers in construction trades doubling from 6,100 to almost 12,000 during the same period. 

And the best part is that this progress doesn’t seem to be slowing down. There’s been an 80% increase in women training as apprentices in male-dominated trades since 2019, so the gap is only bound to get smaller. Here’s what’s driving more women into these trades:

• Government incentives make training affordable: Apprenticeship support payments and employer incentives for hiring women reduce the financial barriers that previously kept many people out of trades training.

• Visible role models prove it’s possible: Female tradies sharing their experiences on social media, appearing in industry campaigns and mentoring apprentices show that women absolutely can succeed in construction, plumbing, electrical work and other traditionally male fields.

• Companies recognise that diverse teams perform better: Progressive construction companies actively recruit women because diverse crews solve problems more creatively, communicate more effectively and create safer workplace cultures that benefit everyone regardless of gender.

• Pay equity matters more than ever: Trades give women real wage parity compared to many female-dominated industries where gaps still exist. Apprentices and qualified tradies earn the same rates regardless of gender, so these jobs help even the playing field.

• Cultural attitudes are finally shifting: Younger generations reject outdated ideas about “men’s work” and “women’s work.” They see trade skills as practical capabilities anyone can develop rather than gender-specific roles.

• Inclusion efforts create welcoming environments: Industry initiatives addressing harassment and fostering respectful workplaces make trade careers viable for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people who previously felt unwelcome.

The benefits of pursuing a trade as a woman

Choosing a trade career gives women tangible advantages that many traditionally female-dominated industries can’t match. On top of learning practical skills, trades give women the freedom to build their own show and the satisfaction of smashing outdated stereotypes whilst building actual physical things.

Financial independence and job security

Trades pay properly from your first day as an apprentice and the money only gets better as you gain skills and qualifications. Qualified electricians, plumbers and carpenters earn solid middle-class incomes, with Australia’s gender pay gap sitting at just 11.5% in 2024, which happens to be its lowest recorded level. Trades deliver better pay equity than heaps of industries because award rates apply equally as clients care about skills, not who’s holding the tools.

The work doesn’t dry up either. Australia’s construction boom, infrastructure projects and endless housing demand mean skilled tradies stay busy. Once you’re qualified, finding work is easy because the skills shortage has employers competing for talented workers.

Opportunities for flexibility and entrepreneurship

Trade skills let you control your career in ways desk jobs never will. Once you’re qualified and experienced, starting your own business is easily achievable. Here’s how trades create flexibility:

• Launch your own business without massive overheads: Most trades need minimal equipment to start independently, so you can build a client base whilst keeping costs reasonably low compared to opening a shop or café.

• Pick your projects and set your rates: Self-employed tradies choose jobs they really want, charge what they’re worth and walk away from clients who don’t respect boundaries or fair payment.

• Grow at whatever pace suits you: Scale from solo work to hiring a team if demand explodes or stay independent if managing employees sounds like a nightmare you’d rather avoid.

• Schedule around your life: Running your own trade business gives you the ability to fit your jobs around school runs or personal commitments, unlike with most traditional employers.

• Create multiple income streams: Experienced tradies branch into training, consulting or specialised services along with their trade work to diversify their income streams.

Breaking gender stereotypes, being inclusive and empowering communities

Women and non binary people showing up to construction sites with toolbelts change the assumption that physical work or technical skills belong exclusively to men. Every non binary person or female sparkie or chippy proves that ability has absolutely nothing to do with gender. This matters massively for young people watching these role models and realising that their career options aren’t limited by outdated stereotypes.

The impact goes beyond individual success too. Women in trades create workplace cultures where harassment gets shut down fast and diversity stops being the weird exception. These improvements help all workers regardless or gender whilst making sites truly welcoming for people who previously felt pushed out.

Best trades for women in Australia

Plenty of trades welcome women with solid career prospects, but some stand out for their job security and earning potential. Whether you’re drawn to electrical systems, love working with your hands on construction sites or prefer creative trades like hairdressing, there’s a path that matches your strengths and goals. Here’s how popular trades stack up based on training time, salary and job outlook:

*All salaries sourced from Payscale Australia

How to start a trade career as a female

Breaking into trades as a woman or non binary person feels less daunting when you know the pathways available and where to find support. The numbers prove momentum is building, with 62,745 women starting apprenticeships in 2023. You’re joining a growing community rather than doing it alone.

Explore training and apprenticeship pathways

There are many roads that can take you to a trade career depending on your current situation and how quickly you want to start earning. Pre-apprenticeship courses give you foundational skills before committing to a full apprenticeship, whilst direct entry apprenticeships throw you straight into paid work as you receive formal training.

Here’s how to get trained for a trade:

• Pre-apprenticeship courses: Short programmes lasting 12–20 weeks teach basic trade skills and workplace safety, making you more attractive to employers whilst helping you confirm which trade suits you best before committing to four years.

• Direct apprenticeships: Apply directly to employers who’ll pay you whilst you train on the job and complete off-the-job training through registered training organisations over 3–4 years.

• Women-specific mentoring programmes: Organisations like Tradeswomen Australia and MIGAS Women in Trades connect female and non-binary apprentices with experienced tradeswomen who provide guidance, support and realistic career advice.

• Government-funded initiatives: Fee-free nationally recognised courses, apprenticeship incentives and financial support reduce training costs and make trades accessible regardless of your financial situation.

• School-based apprenticeships: Year 11 and 12 students can start apprenticeships whilst completing secondary education, so you can get a head start on qualifications and earnings.

Apply for apprenticeships and gain hands-on experience

Finding apprenticeships takes active hunting. Register on Australian Apprenticeships Pathways and check employment sites for listings. Many construction companies and contractors advertise directly on their websites, so target local employers and send applications even when positions aren’t formally advertised.

Attend industry expos and career fairs where employers actively recruit apprentices. These events let you meet potential bosses face-to-face and show that you’re more interested than online applicants. Don’t underestimate direct approaches, either. Ring local trade businesses, explain you’re looking for an apprenticeship and ask whether they’re hiring. Persistence shows commitment that employers value.

Seek support networks and female trade associations

Connecting with other women and non binary people in trades gives you a support system that will come in handy when dealing with male-dominated workplaces. These networks help you handle challenges and access opportunities you might otherwise miss.

The top organisations that support women and trades are:

• Tradeswomen Australia: National organisations providing mentoring, networking events and advocacy, connecting you with experienced tradeswomen who understand your challenges.

• Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT): Victoria-based network offering peer support, skills workshops and social events for women in construction trades.

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC): Professional organisation providing education, networking and leadership development across construction industry roles.

• State-based trade unions: Being a member protects your workplace rights and gives you support if you’re ever dealing with harassment at work. 

Overcoming barriers for women in trades

Women entering trades still face genuine obstacles despite growing acceptance and support. About 69% of women in NSW construction reported experiencing some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, which proves that cultural change hasn’t fully reached every worksite yet. 

Addressing workplace culture and bias

Discrimination ranges from subtle exclusion and outright harassment that can make workplace culture the biggest barrier for women in trades. Unfortunately, changing these environments requires effort from everyone, not just the women dealing with it.

Here’s how to promote inclusivity in trades to be welcoming of all genders and people outside of the gender binary:

• Zero tolerance policies: Companies need clear harassment policies backed by immediate consequences when violations occur, not just paperwork that gets ignored when problems come up.

• Inclusive facilities and equipment: Providing proper amenities like separate changing rooms and PPE designed for different body types shows women they belong.

• Active bystander training: Teaching all workers to call out discrimination when they witness it creates a culture of accountability that doesn’t let microaggressions fly.

• Mentorship programmes pairing women and non binary folk with experienced tradespeople: Regular check-ins with mentors help women handle challenges whilst giving them someone to approach about issues they’re uncomfortable raising with their supervisors.

• Diverse hiring panels and leadership: Having women involved in recruitment and management decisions reduces unconscious bias and creates visible representation that signals inclusivity.

Physical demands and safety considerations

Even the best trades for females and non binary folk come with considerable physical demands, but strength and stamina are cultivated through hard work rather than determined by gender. Being well-prepared and having the right equipment makes the work manageable for anyone committed to the career.

These are the most important physical considerations when joining a trade:

• Comprehensive training in proper lifting techniques: Learning how to use your body for tasks that involve heavy lifting and dangerous equipment can prevent injuries from day one.

• Correctly fitted personal protective equipment: PPE designed for different body sizes keeps everyone safe and comfortable regardless of gender or body type.

• Ergonomic tool options and mechanical aids: Modern tools and equipment greatly reduce the physical strain of workers, with many trades incorporating technology that minimises brute strength requirements.

• Gradual strength building through apprenticeships: Starting with lighter tasks and progressively taking on more demanding work lets your body adapt rather than being thrown into the deep end immediately.

Work-life balance and support systems

Women remain twice as likely to work part-time compared to men, with surveys showing that 62% of women spend at least five hours weekly on unpaid indoor housework whilst only 35% of men do the same. These caring responsibilities make work-life balance extremely important, yet almost two-thirds of NSW construction workers cite lack of balance as a major concern. Trades have traditionally operated on rigid full-time schedules that ignore these realities.

Progressive employers increasingly offer flexible arrangements that accommodate caring responsibilities for everyone. Part-time apprenticeships, compressed workweeks and predictable scheduling help women manage both career and family without choosing between them. Some companies provide on-site childcare or childcare subsidies that remove that massive barrier for parents pursuing trades.

Support systems matter just as much. Partners sharing housework and childcare equally, extended family helping with school pickups and employer understanding during family emergencies all contribute to creating a supportive environment.

The future of women in the trade industry

Green energy, sustainable construction and automotive technology are absolutely booming right now and desperately need skilled workers. Solar panel installation, EV maintenance and energy-efficient buildings are creating thousands of new trade positions each year. These emerging field haven’t developed the entrenched “boys club” culture yet, which makes them far more welcoming for women in trades.

Digital tools and automation are changing how tradies work in ways that help inclusion. Drones can now survey construction sites and diagnostic software can walk mechanics through complex repairs. Technology reduces reliance on pure physical strength whilst rewarding technical smarts, opening up many new trades for females and non binary people. 

FAQs 

What are the best trades for women in Australia?

There’s no single “best” trade since it depends on your interests and strengths. Electrician, plumber and carpenter roles come with strong job security and high pay. Hairdressing and chef positions suit creative people that want to interact with clients. Pick based on what interests you rather than stereotypes.

Are there government incentives for women in trades?

Absolutely. State and federal programmes offer financial incentives, scholarships and mentoring specifically for women entering trade apprenticeships. Fee-free courses, apprenticeship support payments and employer hiring initiatives reduce barriers. 

Can women handle the physical demands of trade work?

Definitely. Proper training, correctly fitted equipment and smart safety practices let women excel in any trade. You’ll build the physical strength you need as you do the job, plus tools and tech reduce the reliance on pure physical power.

How do I get started in a trade career?

Enrol in pre-apprenticeship courses to build foundational skills, apply directly for apprenticeships with employers or connect with organisations like Tradeswomen Australia for guidance.

What trades are most flexible for women balancing family life?

Hairdressing, painting and decorator work and electrical contracting tend to have flexible hours or self-employment opportunities. Once qualified, many tradies run their own business and control their schedules around family commitments.

Take the leap and build something real

Australian trades are opening up to women faster than ever before, creating massive opportunities for financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. The skills shortage means employers actively want you, government incentives make training affordable and support networks exist to help you succeed. You don’t need permission to pursue a trade as a woman. You just need to start.

Explore the courses at Builders Academy and see how we can help you get qualified and getting paid sooner than you think.