A Research Snapshot

Dr Jessica Borg1 and Associate Professor Christina M. Scott-Young2

1Faculty of Architecture, Building & Planning, University of Melbourne

2School of Property, Construction & Project Management, RMIT University

Master Builders Victoria recently funded a research project which focused on attracting young women to trades apprenticeships. The research was undertaken by Dr Jessica Borg, University of Melbourne and Associate Professor Christina Scott-Young, RMIT University. As part of the project, they interviewed 20 female trades apprentices from a range of construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, bricklaying, linework, boilermaker and painting). Here’s a snapshot of what their research found.

What influences young women to take up a trade

The major influencers that play a part in attracting young women to trades apprenticeships are:

• early exposure to construction: either through hands on subjects at school, or simply by helping family and friends with construction projects.

• personal interest: they felt a vocational calling.

• interpersonal influencers: family and friends in their social circle as well as social media played a big role in influencing their decision to take up a trade.

• opportunities offered by a trade: these included free apprenticeship programs and women in trades program initiatives.

The messaging that affected their decision to take up a trade

When making their decision, the young women received messaging from a range of sources. These included:

• Social media: The girls found inspiration from Youtube and TikTok clips that enabled them to visualise a day in the life of a tradesperson. They also were influenced positively by online support groups and forums which connected with women in trades.

• Family and Friends: For some, family and friends were supportive.

However, for others, their family and friends expressed concerns about the treatment of girls in a maledominated workplace.

• Schools: Most participants did not receive relevant information about trades pathways from their high schools. Instead, many schools recommended that girls study for VCE and university. They were told that trades are only for boys.

The experiences of young female apprentices

Some of their experiences were positive. However, over half the female apprentices reported negative experiences which point to a need for change in the construction industry. Positive experiences: 25% of female apprentices felt accepted and supported in the workplace. Their most positive experience was mateship onsite.

Negative experiences: Negative experiences outnumbered positive ones. 55% of apprentices did not believe their workplace was inclusive. 15% experienced mental harassment. 25% reporting instances of sexual harassment. 25% felt that their gender limited the opportunities that were offered to them and 20% of apprentices feeling a constant need to prove oneself.

Recommendations to improve the experiences and attraction

Young Female Apprentices

Focusing on attracting young female apprentices to trades is an important topic. However, our results highlight is that there is a critical need to focus on improving the workplace experiences of young female apprentices. It will not be possible to change parents’ and schools’ views that trades are not a good option for women until the industry is able to create a positive, inclusive and respectful workplace for women.

» Focus on training to improving the workplace culture

» Fostering on creating inclusivity and respect in the workplace

» Implement zero tolerance policies for bad behaviour

» Provide mentors and sponsors for women of

A focus group was later conducted with young female apprentices to discuss what the construction industry can do to improve the experiences of young tradeswomen. The following recommendations are made to industry:

There are many young females who have a lot to contribute to the industry we love. Together, we can all work towards making the industry a better, more inclusive place. Once we have done that, and only then, can we truly encourage and support our sisters, our daughters, our nieces when they tell us they are considering taking up a trade.