The rise of the female tradie in Tasmania is the start of a change in attitude towards careers

There are hopes a new apprentice scheme and evolving attitudes will see more women sign up to become plumbers, carpenters and other tradies.

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YOUNG carpenter Jade Carluccio says female tradies are still a rarity on Tasmanian construction sites hopes she and others are paving the way for more women to consider carpenter, plumbing and other trades as a career option.

The 21-year-old is one of four female carpenter and joiners at Vos Construction in Tasmania’s north and believes attitudes are changing.

Jade Carluccio, apprentice carpenter with Vos Construction. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“When I was at high school we had the option of doing woodwork along with cooking and sewing but it was not pushed as something girls could explore as a career option,” Ms Carluccio said.

“By the time I got to Year 12 that changed. A teacher noticed I was skilled and suggested that I try carpentry as a career. That’s how it all started.”

She is now almost three years into her four-year apprenticeship.

Paul Bennett, general manager of the Apprenticeship Network Provider division at MEGT said it was time to shift the paradigm so trades were seen as viable career options for women – especially young women.

“Most of the barriers seem to be attitudinal not physical or structural,” Mr Bennett said.

“The change needs to start at school level. Schools have an enormous role to play in the equality agenda.”

In 2016, women made up 12 per cent of the construction industry workforce, down from 17 per cent 10 years earlier.

Mr Bennett said that with Tasmania’s unemployment rate predicted to rise above 8.6 per cent in 2021, this year’s school leavers were entering a very challenging workforce.

“It’s hoped the Commonwealth Government’s wage subsidy announced some week back will encourage employers in Tasmania to consider taking on an apprentice or trainee in order to address the looming skills gap and that some will be women,” Mr Bennett said.

“Boosting women in trades will be a vital part of Australia’s economic recovery.”

MEGT said female apprentices generally had a strong application to their studies and on the job training, positivity and excellent teamwork skills.

Females represent 28.5 per cent of all apprentices and trainees employed with MEGT.