Constructing HER Career brings women into trades

The full-day program was held at the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville Trade Training Centre (Bohle) campus.

The event was a collaboration between TAFE Queensland, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Paynters, and the Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program, with support from industry partners including Construction Skills Queensland, Q-Leave, FKG Group, BESIX Watpac, Peddlethorp, James Cook University and Symal.

The program began with panel discussions featuring women currently working in construction, before moving into “Ask an Expert” sessions with industry representatives.

Among them was Townsville City Council dual-trade apprentice Nicola Dowd, who is completing her Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) and Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control (UEE31220) with TAFE Queensland. Nicola shared her journey as a female apprentice and answered questions from students about her career so far.

Participants rotated through small group activities, toured the training facilities, and got hands-on experience with technology and manufacturing equipment.

They also heard directly from Paynters, who constructed the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab – the very building hosting the event.

The $20 million facility was officially opened in July last year and is TAFE Queensland’s first purpose-built hydrogen and electric vehicle training hub, alongside the new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab

The number of women in trades at TAFE Queensland in North Queensland has grown from 7.6 per cent in 2020/21 to 12.3 per cent in 2024/25.

TAFE Queensland North region Director of Educational Delivery for Trades and Transport, Maree Butler, said the improvement is encouraging but more progress is needed.

“It’s great progress, but we’re determined to see these numbers continue to grow,” Ms Butler said. “By increasing the number of women in trades, we’re not just addressing workforce demand – we’re driving innovation, improving workplace culture, and creating more inclusive, dynamic industries.

“We’re excited to host events like Constructing HER Career here at Bohle, because they show young women first-hand what’s possible when industry and training providers work together.”

Co-chair for NAWIC North Queensland, Lisa Clarke, echoed this sentiment.

“This initiative is about making the opportunities in construction visible and showing women the steps to get there,” Ms Clarke said. “With clear pathways, real examples and practical support will help women see where they fit in construction.”

Paytners General Manager – People, Brand & Communications, Sarah Rose, said supporting diversity in construction is about building for the future.

“At Paynters, we know that building strong foundations starts with people,” she said. “We’re committed to supporting initiatives that attract more women to construction and ensure they are supported to succeed and stay.”

Job Coordinator, Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program Townsville, Steph Nicolaou, said the event is about creating long-term change.

“This initiative is more than a day, it’s an opportunity to reshape perceptions, break down barriers, and build a more diverse future in construction,” Ms Nicolaou said.

The event highlighted the wide range of roles available across the construction industry – from traditional trades such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical, to roles in engineering, project management, safety, compliance, and design.

“Construction is such a dynamic industry,” Ms Butler concluded. “It needs skilled tradespeople, but it also needs problem-solvers, leaders, and innovators. Days like today inspire young women to see themselves in these roles and show that the opportunities are real and within reach.”