Sparking women’s interest for a career in electrical

Federation TAFE is creating a pipeline for women to enter the trade industry, with a key role to play in economic and jobs growth in our regions.

Employment of electricians is projected to grow 10.9% percent nationally in the next 5 years, making an entry into the licensed trade an attractive choice.

Currently Federation TAFE has 21 women enrolled to complete trade courses up from 16 in 2020 with plans to continue to increase the number of women accessing training.

Federation TAFE student, Zoe Pilmore, has completed her pre-apprenticeship Certificate II in Electrotechnology which is currently offered as a free TAFE course and is now undertaking her apprenticeship with Laser Electrical in Horsham.

Zoe begun her apprenticeship in early 2020, specialising in new housing projects, small projects, and solar panel installation.

Although she is currently the only female apprentice, the company will have two additional female apprentices joining the team in the next month.

The gender balance in trades is evolving by breaking down the unspoken barriers women face entering what has previously been a male dominated industry.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan

“We hope to pave the way for women who want training in trades through providing equal opportunity to all students in TAFE.”

“We are seeing employers actively seek out and recruit workers for their skills not their gender.”

“It is an exciting time if we can see improvement and redress barriers faced by women in entering a trades career.”

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE student, Zoe Pilmore

“I love being outdoors and I really like maths in school. My dad is a linesman, so I was exposed to it from an early age. I love the diversity of it.”