Partnership building solid foundations for women in construction

As part of the initiative a new online training program, Passport to Diversity, has been developed by NAWIC and TAFE Queensland in consultation with Queensland tradeswomen. The training will cover key issues impacting increased participation from women in trades, and will provide employers with access to resources and tools that will help to foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

The launch of the program coincided with International Women’s Day (IWD) and this year’s theme, Choose to Challenge. Leading the training will be NAWIC Program Manager, Radmila Desic AM who was recently recognised with an Order of Australia at this year’s Australia Day 2021 Honours List for significant service to women in construction, and to unemployed youth.

NAWIC QLD President Sheree Taylor said that whilst we have seen a significant increase in apprenticeship offers recently, we are still facing a serious skills shortage in the future.

“Women’s employment has been the hardest hit due to COVID-19 and there has never been a more important time to not only attract women to non-traditional trades, but to ensure the working environment and culture is one that allows them to develop and succeed in these industries,” Ms Taylor said.

TAFE Queensland – SkillsTech General Manager John Tucker said the partnership between NAWIC and TAFE Queensland is an important move forward to further support women in trades and breakdown outdated values and barriers that still exist amongst some of our trade industries.

“TAFE Queensland has had a long and proud history of supporting women into strong trade careers and we will continue to challenge workplaces to ensure equal opportunities are provided for women across all trade industries,” said Mr Tucker.

NAWIC and TAFE Queensland will continue to collaborate on additional initiatives throughout 2021 which will include speed careering days for females interested in trade career and Try a Trade days.