MEDIA RELEASE
7 March 2025
NAEN-led partnership committed to driving career opportunities for women
The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) has welcomed the federal government’s commitment to advancing many more opportunities for women, following the announcement of successful grants under the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program.
Group Training Australia (trading as NAEN) is delighted to be lead partner in a consortium that will drive real change. The project, ‘Driving Gender Equity: Strengthening GTOs to Build Women’s Careers’, will be funded over three years under the BWC grants program.
The other Foundation Partners in the project are:
• Australian Workers Union
• Bendigo Kangan Institute
• Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE).
The partnership brings together apprentice employers, Australia’s largest trade union, one of the country’s leading education and training providers, and a national network of women involved in Vocational Education & Training (VET) to advance gender equity and build careers in critical industries.
The BWC program is a groundbreaking opportunity to change perceptions and deliver positive results for women, and all members of the partnership are totally committed to bringing about real change. Each of the partners brings extensive knowledge and expertise that spans the workplace, training delivery and the lived experiences of women across the community. Working together, they will be able to identify and address many of the obstacles that hold women back from realising their full potential in the workplace.
Quotes attributable to National Apprentice Employment Network CEO, Dianne Dayhew:
“It is a privilege to be part of a tremendous group of partners entrusted to deliver meaningful and lasting results that can change the lives and career trajectories of women. The group training network has extensive experience and has been at the forefront of promoting gender equity and equal opportunity among apprentices and trainees. We look forward to working with all our partners and group training organisations (GTOs) for the benefit of thousands of women.”
Quotes attributable to Paul Farrow, AWU National Secretary:
“The AWU is really proud to partner with the National Apprentice Employment Network because we’ve always said a collaborative approach is necessary to drive meaningful cultural change. The civil construction industry needs more women starting apprenticeships, and making it through those first four years is an absolute imperative. Women have a vital contribution to make to the Australian civil construction industry, but that potential is not yet anywhere close to realised. This funding is a big step towards fixing that.”
Quote attributable to Bendigo Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain:
“Bendigo Kangan Institute delivers real impact through quality skills and training, and supporting women in apprenticeships is a vital part of what we do. We’re proud to join forces with the National Apprentice Employment Network and project partners to deliver this important initiative to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in their careers. Together, we’re fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce, empowering women to build fulfilling careers in industries that shape our future.”
Quote attributable to Women in Vocational Education and Training (WAVE) Convenor, Kit McMahon:
“The Building Women’s Careers initiative represents a transformational moment for Australia’s VET sector. This commitment demonstrates a long-term vision that enables sustainable improvements in a crucial part of vocational training – group training organisations (GTOs). WAVE warmly welcomes the Government’s approach to BWC – establishing meaningful partnerships, bringing together diverse capabilities, and making strong investments to genuinely address inequity.”
About the Foundation Partners
National Apprentice Employment Network
The National Apprentice Employment Network is the national peak body representing a network of approximately 130 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing some 25,000 apprentices and trainees across Australia. www.naen.com.au
Australian Workers Union
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) is one of Australia’s largest unions. We represent around 77,000 workers nationally in industries like Steel, Aluminium, healthcare, building materials, mining, civil construction and many more. Since 1886, AWU members have been at the front of improving wages, conditions and workplace health and safety, improving the lives of millions of working class Australians along the way.
Bendigo Kangan Institute
An integrated skills provider, Bendigo Kangan Institute brings together Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, VETASSESS and eWorks, to connect people and industries with the transformative power of education and careers. Through education, assessment and learning, we transform lives, strengthen communities, empower workforces, and support industries to grow and thrive.
Women in Vocational Education and Training (WAVE)
WAVE (Women in Adult and Vocational Education) is Australia’s only national, independent, non-government organisation dedicated to advancing gender equity in VET and adult education. Established in 1985, WAVE provides expert research, policy advice, and advocacy to Australian and State/Territory Governments, as well as regional and international forums. Operating within a feminist framework, WAVE recognises the intersecting barriers that impact women’s access to and success in education and training. Through collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and communities, WAVE drives evidence-based strategies to ensure education and skills systems are inclusive, equitable, and transformative for women and girls in all their diversity.
Media Contact: Bob Bowden, Ph 0412 753 298 bbowden@bowmac.com.au
