More women are choosing trade apprenticeships as Australia confronts a deep shortage of skilled workers, and fresh polling suggests the public wants tradespeople recognised alongside nurses and teachers as essential to the nation's wellbeing.
Young women pivot to hands‑on careers
Electrical apprentice Verena Demertzis, who left university after studying sport and exercise science, is one example of a growing number of young women switching from higher education to trades. The 22‑year‑old spent months applying for apprenticeships before securing her current role in the electrical industry, finding practical work far more satisfying than remaining in lecture theatres.
"In high school, teachers didn't really encourage trades as much to the females, it was more like 'oh, you're getting good marks, you go to uni,'"
The spotlight on women in trades comes as policymakers and industry groups seek ways to plug gaps in construction, housing and infrastructure delivery. Industry spokespeople argue that attracting female candidates could expand the available talent pool at a time when demand outstrips supply.
Public attitudinal shift backed by new polling
Research commissioned by equipment hire firm Kennards Hire and released to coincide with National Tradie Day indicates significant public support for greater recognition of skilled trades. Key findings include:
- 90% of people surveyed want skilled trades recognised as essential workers.
- 71% felt tradies do not receive sufficient recognition.
- 85% expressed gratitude for a tradesperson resolving an urgent problem at short notice.
- 25% said they would encourage a family member to pursue a trade apprenticeship, compared with 23% who favoured a university degree.
Kennards Hire spokesman Ollie Chapman said that widening the workforce to include more women could help address the skills deficit. "We're seeing skilled shortages, but I think that's what creates opportunity," he said, arguing that making trades an appealing career path allows the country to draw on the full talent pool.
| Survey finding | Result |
|---|---|
| Want tradies recognised as essential workers | 90% |
| Believe tradies are under‑recognised | 71% |
| Grateful for urgent repairs by tradies | 85% |
| Would encourage apprenticeship (family) | 25% |
| Prefer a university degree for family members | 23% |
Implications for skills policy and industry
The convergence of shifting public opinion and increasing numbers of women entering trades could inform policy and employer strategies. If more schools, training providers and industry bodies promote apprenticeships to a broader demographic, the labour market may be able to draw from previously under‑utilised talent.
However, while the polling reveals sympathy and appreciation for trades, it also highlights lingering perceptions of under‑recognition. Closing that perception gap may require action on pay, career progression, workplace culture and public messaging to reassure prospective entrants and their families that a trade career can offer stability and fulfilment.
For individuals considering a change of direction, the experience of those who have moved into trades offers a practical blueprint: persistent applications, on‑the‑job training and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from daily work.
As Australia continues to plan major infrastructure and housing projects, harnessing a more diverse workforce in skilled roles could prove crucial to meeting demand — and may also shift attitudes about what constitutes a prestigious or sensible career path.
