10 careers where women are winning

VOCATIONAL education and training (VET) provides women a pathway to job satisfaction, career advancement and a competitive salary. These 10 occupations are just the start.

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VOCATIONAL education and training (VET) provides women a pathway to job satisfaction, career advancement and a competitive salary. These 10 occupations are just the start.

The jobs landscape has changed dramatically for women over the last few decades — with even greater transformation on its way. The global marketplace, skills shortages in industries like construction and ICT, and expert predictions that jobs requiring deeply human skills (such as empathy, kindness, creativity and adaptability – traditionally considered female traits) will boom amid the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, mean more opportunities than ever for women.

1. Marketing & PR

Marketing qualifications provide opportunities for self-employment, flexible working conditions, travel and well-paid careers across a number of industries, including corporate, public sector, not-for-profit and private enterprises. Employment in this industry is expected to grow in NSW over the next four years.

With some experts predicting that women will control up to 75 per cent of global discretionary spend by 2028 (representing an economy of around $28 trillion), female spending power is set to shake-up the way companies market their products and services by creating communications that appeal to the world’s largest and fastest growing economic audience. 

As the focus shifts to better understanding the needs of women – and creating authentic connections with female consumers – this presents an amazing opportunity for women to get involved and bring their knowledge, experience and insight to the table.

• Salary expectations: a marketing executive earns about $71,000; while a director of marketing earns about $125,000.
• VET courses: Certificate IV-Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication; Diploma of Social Media Marketing.

2. Event management

VET graduate and 2016 Vocational Student of the Year (NSW Training Awards) winner Gillian Markham has carved out an exciting career in event management, with dynamic roles at Taronga Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum. She kicked off her career with a Diploma of Events and a Diploma of Travel and Tourism.

“My courses at TAFE NSW taught me excellent event planning and management skills,” she says. “I now have the skills to be able to provide the highest standard of program development, record management and presentation skills.”

“It’s been life changing. I’ve discovered strengths and aspirations I didn’t realise I had, and my self-confidence has grown exponentially.”

Event management requires communication skills, organisational and people management, and an eye for detail. Over the next few years, the federal government predicts very strong growth across a range of industries, including corporate, public, tourism, media, hospitality and weddings.

• Salary expectations: $80,000 on average
• VET courses: Advanced Diploma in Event Management

3. Entrepreneurship

According to a 2015 report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, female business operators have high levels of life satisfaction, with almost 60 per cent reporting they are “pleased” or “delighted” with the quality of their lives. Better still, as an entrepreneur, your ability to earn is limitless.

Entrepreneurship is all about developing your own ideas, and selling them to the global marketplace. The startup culture in NSW is going from strength-to-strength, women are finding success by creating products and services specifically for women, and the internet has made marketing and retail easier than ever. Other benefits: investing in your passion, flexible working hours, and a real sense of drive and purpose.

• Salary expectations: unlimited
• VET courses: Certificate IV in New Small Business; Certificate IV in Business Sales; Diploma of Business Administration

4. Management

Australia is currently lacking in women CEOs and executives at the highest levels of business. However, a report from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows that more and more women are stepping into executive level jobs, and that brings hope for equality in the future.

Women in management roles can earn six-figure salaries, with CEOs taking home an average of $175,000. However, it’s not just about the money; more female management will have a positive impact on individuals, companies, and the broader society.

Regardless of their industry, women wanting to go all the way to the top need to make sure they constantly learn and develop their skills in communication, strategy, decision-making and leadership.

• Salary expectations: $175,000 on average
• VET courses: Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management; Certificate IV in Project Management Practice

5. Traditional trades & the armed forces

Women are changing the face of traditional trades and the armed forces here in Australia.

In NSW, an infrastructure boom has led to a shortage of skilled electricians, plumbers, carpenters and automotive mechanics, and, to help address the skills gap, the state government is aiming to double the number of women working in the building and construction industry in the coming years.

The Australian Defence Force has set targets to have female participation rates of 25% by 2023. After a career in hospitality, Nicole Otte longed for a new challenge. She enrolled in the Royal Australian Navy in 2014 and went on to complete a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics). Today she works as an avionics technician and maintains the MH-60 ROMEO helicopter.

“Avionics was very new and different to me, but one thing I have learned over the years is to never close your mind off to learning new skills,” she says. “I’m glad I took the step to change my career.”

• Salary expectations: avionics technicians earn around $64,000; the starting salary for a general electrician can be as much as $91,000
• VET courses: Certificate IV-Diploma in Aeroskills (Avionics); Certificate IV in Electrical; Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery; Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services; Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology

6. Information and communications technology

It’s no secret the ICT sector desperately needs more women – and there are plenty of opportunities in key sectors including cyber security, which is forecast to triple in size and revenue in Australia over the next decade.

In its international report on cyber security in 2017, research firm Frost & Sullivan determined women are currently underrepresented in the cybersecurity profession at 11% and that, “With a projected workforce gap of 1.8 million cybersecurity professionals by 2022 … companies must take swift and considerable actions to engage, develop and retain women in the field”.

To address the skills shortage, the NSW Government has added the Certificate IV in Cyber Security to the Skills List, meaning subsidised training is available for eligible students.

• Salary expectations: $125,000 on average for an IT security specialist.
• VET courses include: Certificate IV–Advanced Diploma of Information Technology; Diploma of Information Technology Systems Administration; Certificate IV in Cyber Security.

7. Human resources

Human resources professionals are an increasingly influential part of most companies, and the sector is expected to see strong growth in the future.

The HR industry is currently dominated by women, who leverage their people, administration and communication skills to influence the culture of business. The average salary of a human resources manager is $88,000, making it a lucrative and rewarding career path to consider.

• Salary expectations: $88,000 on average
• VET courses: Certificate IV in Human Resources

8. Creative industries

Want to turn your innate creativity into a rewarding career? Know this: the world has a huge appetite for content, particularly in the age of social media. The internet has created a global marketplace for idea and products, while allowing creatives to connect like never before to hone their natural talents and share ideas.

Creativity is also a key “human skill” that can never be replaced by automation, meaning there’s no limit to what women can discover, enjoy and earn in this field.

The federal government predicts future growth will be very strong for graphic and web designers, illustrators, fashion and jewellery designers, and industrial and interior designers.

• Salary expectations: unlimited
• VET courses: Diploma of Graphic Design; Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Arts Administration; Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture; Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging

9. Land and environment

Environment and conservation officers study, develop, implement and advise on policies and plans for managing and protecting Australia’s flora, fauna and other natural resources. The government predicts future growth for this industry is very strong, and this career path is perfect for women who want to protect the environment and spend time working outdoors.

It’s second-nature to Stella Crick, a proud descendant of the Worimi people. Stella undertook a two-year traineeship with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and completed a Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management. In 2017, she was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the NSW Training Awards.

“I chose this career path in order to be involved with cultural sites work,” she says. “I feel extremely passionate about caring for Country and looking after the land and waters. It makes me feel so alive, strong and content. I hope to inspire more females to get into these types of roles and further their studies after high school, especially Aboriginal females.”

• Salary expectations: $87,200 on average for an environmental manager.
• VET courses: Diploma–Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management; Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation

10. Healthcare

Hospitals and aged care and residential services are still two of the main industries employing women, according to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics . In fact, the Department of Employment predicts registered nurses and aged and disabled carers are two of the top three occupations expected to have the largest numbers of new jobs over the next few years.

This is a key industry where “human skills” will become more highly-valued going into the future. Healthcare can also offer women flexible working hours and the ability to work around the country or world.

• Salary expectations: $70,000 on average for a nurse.
• VET courses: Advanced Diploma of Work Health and Safety, Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Health Administration, Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate IV in Mental Health

VET offers possibilities for these careers and more, providing qualifications in demand by employers and opening doors to well-paid jobs. With a multitude of education pathways, VET provides a range of flexible options to start and grow your career. For more information, visit vet.nsw.gov.au

Originally published as 10 careers where women are winning