MORE women than ever before are heading to Federation TAFE to learn a trade according to recently released data.<\/p>\n
About 340 women studied to become a tradesperson at the institution throughout 2022, growing from an average of about 240 female students in 2020 and 2021.<\/p>\n
Seventeen per cent of trainees and apprentices learning at FedTAFE in 2023 are women, and a statement from the tertiary educator said those figures are expected to grow further following the Federal Government\u2019s pledge to fund an Australian Skills Guarantee.<\/p>\n
Nine percent of FedTAFE\u2019s aspiring cabinetmakers are women, including final-year student Alice Stewart.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I did my first certificate back in 2018 there was a bit of shock and awe from others seeing me as a female walking into the trade centre,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, now it\u2019s good to see more women in my class and doing trades in general.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my experience, women who are studying at TAFE don\u2019t just see their trade as just a job, it\u2019s a real passion for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since 2019, female electrotechnology electrician enrolments have doubled at FedTAFE, and women studying early childhood education and care has grown about 50 per cent each year.<\/p>\n
Thirty-two per cent of agriculture, 98 per cent of hairdressing, and 92 per cent of community services and nursing students are female.<\/p>\n
FedTAFE deputy vice-chancellor Liam Sloan said the statistics are encouraging, but there is still a way to go in attracting more women into trade based industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cFederation TAFE is doing everything we can to ensure industry reflects society and are always pushing for greater accessibility and inclusivity for all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe budget announcements echo Federation TAFE\u2019s own commitment to encouraging women to pick up the tools in male-dominated industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cFederation TAFE aims to transform lives and enhance communities in the regions where we operate, and welcome more opportunities for women to enter traditionally male industries and occupations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Head of the Centre for Service Industries and the Built Environment, Sharyn Wright, said gender equality within vocational education and training, and the workforce, is key.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring that our learning spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all is a focus for all in team TAFE,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith women still disproportionately represented in traditionally male dominated industries, these figures are promising for women and girls exploring a career in the trade industry, and for addressing skilled worker shortages in the regional areas in which Federation TAFE operates.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MORE women than ever before are heading to Federation TAFE to learn a trade according to recently released data. About 340 women studied to become a tradesperson at the institution throughout 2022, growing from an average of about 240 female students in 2020 and 2021. Seventeen per cent of trainees and apprentices learning at FedTAFE […]<\/p>\n