newy.com.au – Women training for careers in civil construction and manufacturing have been recognised at TAFE NSW Newcastle as two Hunter programs aim to widen access to trades and help meet local skills shortages.
The combined graduation and showcase event highlighted EmpowerHER Pathways and Breaking Barriers for Women in Manufacturing, which support women into traditionally male-dominated industries through practical training, mentoring and direct links with employers.
The programs are funded through the Australian Government’s Building Women’s Careers initiative and are intended to help build the workforce needed for major infrastructure projects, manufacturing growth and future industry demand.
Fourteen Newcastle women are completing the 13-week EmpowerHER Pathways program, delivered by TAFE NSW and Career Links. The course includes practical skills in levelling, concreting and operating heavy-duty machinery, along with employability training and industry mentoring to support pathways into local jobs and traineeships.
The five-week Breaking Barriers for Women in Manufacturing program, delivered by TAFE NSW and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, gives women of all ages a hands-on “Try a Trade” experience in manufacturing and engineering.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the programs were connecting local women with opportunities in sectors needing workers.
“These programs are exactly what the region needs – they’re connecting local women with real skills and real job opportunities in industries that are crying out for workers,” Ms Catley said.
“Before we came to government, we promised to create more ways for young people to learn skills that will help them secure good jobs close to home and we’re delivering on that.
“The Hunter is one of Australia’s industrial powerhouses, and ensuring more women can access careers in construction and manufacturing will help strengthen our local economy and workforce for years to come.”
The NSW Government says women now make up 20 per cent of maritime students at TAFE NSW Newcastle at Tighes Hill, compared with a national workforce average of five per cent.
It is also pointing to fee-free training opportunities in the Hunter and a $56.21 million investment in the TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Newcastle’s Tighes Hill campus as part of its broader workforce plans.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the programs were helping remove barriers for women entering trades.
“These programs are opening doors to industries where women have been underrepresented – giving them the skills, confidence and real industry connections to build strong careers in trades,” Mr Whan said.
“Women represent an enormous opportunity to help address workforce shortages in industries critical to the future of NSW, and these programs are helping remove barriers that have historically prevented participation.
“By supporting more women into civil construction and manufacturing, we’re building the skilled workforce NSW needs to deliver housing, infrastructure and economic growth.”
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the Albanese Government was backing the projects through its $60 million Building Women’s Careers program.
“To meet the demand for skilled workers in industries like construction and advanced manufacturing we need to be encouraging the whole population – not just half – to consider it as a career pathway,” Mr Giles said.
“That’s where EmpowerHER Pathways and Breaking Barriers come in – two projects the Albanese Government is proud to back through our $60 million Building Women’s Careers program, to open up more opportunities for women to get their start in these critical industries.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the pathways programs were helping local women prepare for secure work in industries important to the Hunter.
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union State Secretary Brad Pidgeon said the union was proud to partner with TAFE NSW on Breaking Barriers for Women in Manufacturing.
“Participants gain valuable, first-hand exposure to manufacturing and engineering, helping build confidence, and stepping into a skilled, more diverse, and job-ready workforce,” he said.
