Australia is facing a major shortage of skilled workers. ABC News Daily reports that Australia needs 117,000 more tradies to meet housing and infrastructure targets. Without more workers, projects across the country simply cannot keep up.
This shortage has opened the door for more women in trades in Victoria, and more women are now considering what a job in construction could mean for their future. Construction has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but urgent workforce needs are driving real change. With better support systems, modern tools and more inclusive workplaces, it is becoming a strong career option for women, including women seeking a career change, or stable jobs for single mums in Australia.
Let’s look at what is really possible for women in construction today and how the industry is changing to make room for them.
Why Construction Is No Longer Just for Men
Seeing women on a worksite used to be unusual. Today it is becoming more common, and growing visibility is one of the major factors changing perceptions. Social media has played a big part in this, with women openly sharing their trade skills, day-to-day work, challenges and successes. When others see what is possible, it becomes easier to imagine themselves in the industry too.
Modern construction looks very different from what it used to. New tools, machinery, lifting systems and technology have transformed the way work is done, reducing the need for heavy physical labour. As a result, the industry now places far more importance on technique, communication, accuracy and attention to detail.
Women often excel in these areas due to strengths in organisation, planning, communication, relationship building and safety awareness. This shift has opened the door for many more thriving women in building and construction.
Worksites are also becoming safer and more supportive thanks to WorkSafe’s Victorian Psychosocial hazards policies. New safety standards, clearer expectations around behaviour and stronger responses to harassment and gendered violence are slowly improving culture across the industry. Training, policy updates and leadership commitments are helping create workplaces where women feel more respected and better protected.
Why We Need More Women in Trades
To close the skills shortage gap in construction, the industry needs more women stepping into the trades. While construction is no longer “just for men,” many existing pathways were built decades ago and were not designed with women’s experiences or needs in mind.
Construction companies in Victoria have recognised the outdated systems, and many are responding to the shortage by creating safer, more inclusive sites in order to encourage women into the industry. By investing in gender inclusion training and improving workplace culture, employers can welcome more Victorian female tradies into the workforce.
Once women enter skilled trades, they often find the benefits life-changing. Women often gain employment quickly due to the high demand, and many enjoy a steady income, higher pay, stable work, opportunities to upskill and even the chance to start their own business.
The Barriers Women Face
Women often deal with real challenges when trying to enter the construction industry, and these challenges can make the idea of starting a trade feel out of reach.
Many women experience financial pressure, lack of confidence, unsafe relationships, single parenting and limited support networks. These barriers are especially common among women looking for trades over 30 or returning to work after time away.
Practical barriers can also get in the way. Transport, childcare, training costs, the price of tools and the time needed to learn a new trade can all make it harder to get started. Some women also face discrimination or a lack of understanding when trying to step into a male-dominated field.
These challenges are real, but they are not impossible to overcome. Support programs, women’s networks and women’s scholarships in Victoria are helping bridge the gap by offering financial assistance, wraparound supports, mentoring, training and a clear pathway into construction training Victoria. With the right support, many women who once thought a trade career was out of reach are now building stable, long-term futures in construction.
What Jobs Are Possible for Women
There are many different directions women can take within construction and skilled trades. Each trade offers its own strengths, learning pathways and long-term opportunities. Some of the most popular female trades in Victoria include:
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Painting and decorating
- HVAC
- Concreting
- Civil construction
These are some of the best trades for women, especially those looking to build a long-term, stable career.
Once qualified, women can work in residential, commercial or industrial construction depending on their interests. Many women find a trade they love and stay on the tools, while others continue to grow into specialist roles. With experience it is possible to become a:
- Supervisor
- Leading Hand
- Estimator
- Project Manager
- Construction Coordinator
- Site Manager
- Business Owner
- Director
What the Pathway Looks Like
Starting a career in construction is more achievable than most women realise. The pathways are generally clear and designed to learn as you go.
Step one is choosing your trade.
This is the stage where you choose your trade. There are many ways to explore which option is best for you. You can start by connecting with Master Builders Victoria or exploring the Victorian Government Resources and construction skills and training information.
Step two is completing a pre-apprenticeship in Victoria
A pre-apprenticeship is a short training course which allows you to try a trade, learn basic skills and safety practices and build confidence.
For women who may be unsure where to begin, a pre-apprenticeship is the perfect stepping stone. With the right support program, you may also get help with tools, training costs, work clothing, transport and other essentials to make starting easier. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
If you’re a woman or gender-diverse person you can visit:
- Building & Construction Women in Construction Program
- Incolink’s Ready to Work initiatives
- Victoria’s Women in Construction Strategy and Women Building Australia
If you’re at school or supporting young people speak to:
- Your local LLEN through VicLLENs / School to Work programs
- Career advisers at your school or TAFE.
Step three is applying for an apprenticeship.
There are strong pathways for apprenticeships for women in Victoria, and many employers are actively looking for motivated women to join their teams. As an apprentice you earn an income while you learn, work on a real job site and gain a qualification.
From here the opportunities are endless. You can continue to work for your employer or branch out into other roles. Building industry connections, joining women’s networks and finding mentors can also make a huge difference as you move into your new career.
Read real stories from women we’ve supported as they begin their careers in construction.
How the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) Program Can Help
The Building & Construction Foundation, with support from Incolink and funding from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), has launched the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program. This initiative supports women, girls and gender diverse people who identify as women, who have traditionally been locked out of trade opportunities due to financial hardship or barriers such as family violence, caring responsibilities, discrimination, housing instability etc.
In 2025, 30 women’s scholarships in Victoria worth up to $2,000 each are available to support women entering skilled trades. The funding can be used for essential training and placement expenses such as tools, PPE, workwear, transport, gap course fees and other costs that might otherwise create barriers to getting started. The scholarship is non-repayable, providing real, immediate relief so women can focus on building their careers, not managing financial stress.
These scholarships also offer more than financial help. Participants receive assistance with industry training, real job placements, wraparound supports, mentorship and access to employers committed to safer and more inclusive workplaces that prioritise psychological safety.
Across three years, the program will support 90 women in Victoria who face challenges such as poverty, discrimination, carer responsibilities, family violence and unemployment. The goal is to break down barriers and create real pathways into construction training and long-term careers.
For more information visit: www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/scholarships
Applications are now open here: https://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/downloads/
Your Future in Construction Is Possible
Whether you are exploring career change for women, considering trades for women over 30, returning to the workforce or simply looking for secure, hands-on work, construction offers real opportunities.
With the right support, the right training and the right pathway, you can build a strong, stable future in the skilled trades.
If you want to start your career as a woman in construction, please contact us for a confidential chat.
If you’re an RTO, school or community support service, we’d love to connect with you. Please reach out to discuss how we can support your referrals and help more women and girls access real opportunities in construction.
