Source: *Australian Bureau of Statistics ’NCVER
Women in trades
It takes courage, drive and determination to follow a different path. But if you’ve got the passion, and the willingness to change the status quo, MEGT is here to help.
We provide guidance and support to women in male-dominated trades and work closely with businesses to help create a future where women are represented and thriving in the trades sector.
16%
1 in 5 Female representation in the technician and trades sector has grown to around 16%*
x2
The number of female electricians has almost doubled over the past 10 years*
80%
Nearly 80% more women are doing an apprenticeship in a male-dominated trade today than five years ago.
85,000+
MEGT has supported over 85,000 women in trades.
Mentoring by MEGT
Did you know that female apprentices in male-dominated trades are eligible for 12 months of tailored mentoring at no cost?
Our team of qualified mentors is here to listen and support you throughout your apprenticeship. They act as a sounding board and can provide advice and guidance to help you navigate any workplace issue or personal challenge.
You’ll have a safe space to share your concerns and goals, with mentors focused on ensuring you stay motivated, overcoming obstacles and complete your qualifications. Plus, we’ll help you connect with other women in trades so you’ll know you’re not alone.
Along with one-on-one mentoring, MEGT offers:
- Resources to help you navigate common challenges
- Assistance and advice to help resolve short-term setbacks
- Connections and referrals to specialist support services where required
Women in Trades success stories
MEGT has helped women all around Australia start their journey in trades!
Melody, WA
Having completed both a mechanical and electrical automotive apprenticeship, Melody is proof that employers who embrace peoples’ strengths and build a culture of respect not only attract amazing female apprentices, but keep them too! Melody said: “I’ve found that guys, especially younger ones, are usually super supportive of women in trades.”
Ella, VIC
Ella always had a passion for the trades industry, and after deciding she wanted to commence a school-based apprenticeship, was keen to get started straight away. Her local high school contacted MEGT for advice, and our Field Consultant Peter was able to connect Ella with an electrotechnology apprenticeship at Jet Electrical and Data Contractors.
Chloe, VIC
With a background in music, Chloe is now dancing to a whole new beat in her third year as a mechanical engineering apprentice. Her boss Melissa at Border Cranes Consultants says it best: “In an industry with long-term skill shortages, our motto is if we can’t find the skill, we train it.” It’s great to see Aussie businesses backing female apprentices and helping them achieve their goals!
Kiah, QLD
As a second-year carpentry apprentice, Kiah’s favourite part of the job is to see a house come together and know that she has played a part in making it happen! Kiah wants more women to become a carpenter. She said: “Working in a male-dominated industry isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Things are changing!”
Kia, NSW
Ever since she was a kid, Kia dreamed of stepping into her father’s shoes. Watching him work as a welder inspired her to dive into a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade. Now working at Riverina Machining & Fabrication, owner Adam said he could see Kia’s passion and skill from day one.
Jenna, TAS
In the middle of Tasmania’s Cattle Hill Windfarm stand 48 wind turbines, each towering 100 metres above the ground! Jenna started her apprenticeship working towards her Certificate III in Electrotechnology in 2023, making her one of the first apprentices to benefit from the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment (NEASP).
Rebekah, WA
Rebekah fell in love with all things electrical in Year Nine. After a short period of studying at uni, she realised the electrical trade was where she wanted to be. With the help of MEGT, her experience bumped her up to a 2nd year apprenticeship. Rebekah said: “I strongly encourage other females to come into the trade because it is honestly fun!”
Taylah, VIC
Taylah has loved cars since she was a little girl, which made it easy for her to choose a career. Three years into her auto electrical apprenticeship at The Garage in Woodend, Taylah can’t think of anything else she would rather be doing. "I found something I am passionate about and since starting my apprenticeship, I have become even more interested."
Creating inclusive environments
Small changes can make a big difference towards creating a positive work environment
Page of
Could this be your dream job?
Whether you want to be a construction estimator, welder, automotive electrician or painter, an apprenticeship is the perfect way to start your journey. Check out some of the in-demand careers below or view more on our careers explorer page.
Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
You are practical and have a good eye for detail, love working with your hands and have good concentration skills. Learn more.
Automotive electrician
You love cars, detailed work, and understanding how today’s automotive systems and electronics work. Learn more.
Carpenter
You love working with tools, machines and mechanical drawings and are goal-oriented and practical. Learn more.
Electrician
You love applying yourself to hands-on projects and using your curiosity to investigate and fix things. Learn more.
Fitter and Turner
You’ll fit and assemble fabricated metal and create precision machine parts for production machinery and equipment, according to plans. Learn more.
Landscaper
You love being outdoors getting your hands dirty, making sure everything in an outdoor space looks neat and comes together beautifully. Learn more.
Plumber
You’ll install, repair and maintain critical piping and water systems in residential, commercial and/or industrial settings . Learn more.
Get started with an apprenticeship
Find out howHear from apprentice electrician Maddie
Electrical apprentice Maddison talks about how chatting with a MEGT Mentor, Simone, has helped during her apprenticeship.
Register your details
Receive job application resources and stay in the know with the latest apprenticeship and traineeship news and information.