The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) today welcomed federal Labor’s promise to roll out a program that will encourage more women to start a career in the trades.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten promised that a future Labor government would provide $12 million to Group Training Organisations to assist in attracting and retaining women in non-traditional occupations.
“There are particular barriers to women entering male-dominated trades, but the experience shows that where they do, they are exceptionally talented and highly valued by their employers,” the National Executive Officer of the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) Dianne Dayhew said.
“It doesn’t make sense to exclude a high percentage of Australia’s female workforce from the rewarding career opportunities available through trade apprenticeships,” she said.
“Group Training Organisations across the country have a strong record of employing women through apprenticeships and traineeships, and today’s announcement is a very positive step thatcan take that to the next level”.
Under Labor’s program, Group Training Organisations (GTOs) will recruit and employ women who are keen to gain a trade qualification, and link them to host businesses that are committed to making their workplaces more gender diverse.
Experienced GTOs will be funded to provide direct assistance to host businesses and female apprentices to help build gender inclusive trade-focussed workplaces.
The GTOs will mentor apprentices and facilitate peer supports for cohorts of tradeswomen. They will work directly with host businesses to make sure the necessary adjustments are made to ensure equitable and professional workplaces.
Media Contact: Bob Bowden, Ph 0412 753 298 bbowden@bowmac.com.au
