Lady tradies are driving a surge in NT apprenticeships, as women and girls flock to traditionally male-dominated fields thanks to new Territory Labor Government initiatives to fill skills shortages.
The number of women and girls who have embarked upon apprenticeships in the Territory has jumped 21 per cent to 1070 in the past 12 months. Nearly one third of the Territorys 3400 apprentices are now female.
Male apprenticeships also jumped by six per cent in the same timeframe.
The growth has been driven largely by the Territory Labor Governments Skilling Territorians initiative, which offers financial incentives to employers who take on apprentices and trainees.
While female apprenticeship numbers are still highest in traditionally women-centric industries, such as health, education, clerical, tourism and hospitality, traditionally male-dominated fields have seen spikes in popularity thanks to more targeted initiatives.
The governments Power Careers program launched in February and has fuelled a surge in popularity of the electrotechnology industry with women and girls. Female apprentices in this field have grown by 35 per cent Territory-wide in the past year.
As stated by Minister for Workforce Training, Selena Uibo
Jobs are the Territory Labor Governments number one priority and we are maximising job opportunities for all Territorians by investing in programs that can diversify our workforce.
The Power Careers program is not only addressing industry skills shortages and supporting our businesses, it is creating opportunities for women and girls, who may have previously felt too intimidated to seek apprenticeships in these male-dominated fields.
A diverse workforce of trained, skilled Territorians not only benefits our businesses by enabling them to make the most of future economic opportunities, it benefits the Territory economy.
As stated by electrotechnology apprentice Stacey Shaw, aged 26
I had an interest in the electrical industry when I was at school, but wasnt confident enough at the time to be able to pursue a career in the industry. Now that I have matured, I have been able to seize this opportunity.
As stated by electrotechnology apprentice, Olivia Woolett, aged 17
I have always wanted to work within the electrical industry, my dad is an electrician and I have always enjoyed helping him.
