The Albanese Government is partnering with local businesses to create pathways for women to enter traditionally male-dominated industries, with the launch of the EmpowerHer Pathways: See what you can be project.
The project is part of the Building Women's Careers (BWC) program and will be delivered in partnership with the Network for Educational Workplacements,
EmpowerHer will work with industry partners to support opportunities for women workers - helping tackle skills shortages - in the renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, construction and technology sectors in the Hunter region.
Women currently make up less than 8 per cent of all female apprentices in male-dominated trades. Fewer than one third of apprentices in all trades are women.
EmpowerHer Pathways will promote non-traditional career paths for women, particularly school leavers and marginalised groups, by addressing real and perceived gender and industry specific barriers, by:
- implementing workplace policies that encourage take-up of flexible hours and parental leave arrangements
- creating a mentoring network to support women's entry, retention and career advancement in these fields
- establishing a continuous feedback loop to gather data on participation rates, training completions and employment retention to support ongoing evaluation and sustainability.
The project will access existing networks through a partnership with the Aboriginal Advancement Alliance, AGL Macquarie, Ampcontrol, Gamuda Berhad and John Holland, Hunter Multicultural Communities, Muswellbrook Shire Could, Regional Development Australian, Singleton Council and TAFE NSW.
The BWC program, funded under the $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package, is delivering 20 partnership projects that address barriers for women entering, remaining and advancing in the traditionally male-dominated industries of construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"Ensuring women have access to equal career opportunities in all industries and sectors is part of our commitment to closing the gender gap and addressing our current skills shortage.
"Through the EmpowerHer project, we are actively addressing the very real gender and geographic barriers impacting women from entering these sectors and introducing new pathways that make workplaces safer and more equitable."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"We understand that you can't be what you can't see, and this project will focus on reaching women in the Hunter at a grassroots level.
"The EmpowerHer project is taking a holistic approach at attracting and retaining new staff, through direct policies, workplaces mentors and partnerships and increasing training and participation.
"By working in partnership with industry stakeholders across construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital and technology - we are working to ensure industry barriers are addressed from all angles."
Quotes attributable to Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:
"This project isn't just about getting women through the door - it's about ensuring they are celebrated and seen as leaders in these fields.
"We know that diversity drives innovation and strengthens workplaces, and EmpowerHer Pathways will help ensure that women gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive.
"As someone who's long championed gender equality, I'm incredibly proud to see this project take flight."
Quotes attributable to Kate O'Mara, CEO and Director Regional Development Australia- Hunter (RDA-Hunter):
"Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter is pleased to support Career Links' EmpowerHER Pathways Program initiative.
"The region's economy is underpinned by its skilled people, and collaborative projects such as this are important in encouraging women to participate in and further strengthen the local workforce."
