In Australia’s rapidly evolving labour market, there’s one glaring opportunity that continues to grow in importance: increasing the participation of women in trade-based roles. From construction to manufacturing, logistics to electrical work, skilled trades remain some of the most male-dominated sectors — yet they’re also facing severe labour shortages.

As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the future of trades must be more inclusive. Not just to promote gender equity, but to ensure Australia has the skilled workforce needed to meet infrastructure demands, housing targets, and industrial growth.

In this blog, we’ll explore the rise of women in trades, the challenges they face, the benefits of a diverse workforce, and how Surematch Recruitment is helping break barriers by placing and supporting female talent across Australia's skilled sectors.

The Current Landscape: Women in the Trades

Despite decades of progress in other industries, women remain underrepresented in trade professions. According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), less than 2% of qualified tradespeople in construction and electrical roles are women.

However, the narrative is slowly shifting. Programs and initiatives across states — like Women in Construction in Victoria and NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) — are pushing for systemic change. Employers are also waking up to the advantages of building diverse teams.

What’s driving this change?

• A national skill shortage in trades, worsened by ageing workforces and reduced migration.
• A cultural shift towards workplace inclusion and diversity.
• More visibility of successful women in the trades, inspiring new generations.

Barriers Still Exist — But So Do Solutions

While the opportunities are growing, so are the challenges. Some of the most common barriers women face when entering or staying in trade careers include:

• Workplace culture and discrimination
• Lack of flexible work arrangements, especially for women with caregiving responsibilities
• Limited access to mentors and role models
• Insufficient support during apprenticeships

These barriers are not insurmountable — but addressing them requires proactive efforts from employers, industry bodies, and recruitment partners.

Why Diversity in Trades Is Good for Business

Hiring more women in trades isn’t just about ticking a diversity box — it’s about building resilient, high-performing teams.

Here’s how diverse trade teams benefit employers:

• Improved team collaboration and communication
• Broader skill sets and innovation in problem-solving
• Access to a wider talent pool during skill shortages
• Stronger employer branding and community reputation

Multiple studies have shown that gender-diverse teams outperform homogenous ones in productivity and safety outcomes — two key KPIs in high-risk industries.

How Surematch Recruitment Is Supporting Women in Trades

At Surematch Recruitment, we believe in building pathways — not just placements. Our support for women in trade careers goes beyond job matching. We’re committed to reshaping recruitment to be inclusive, forward-thinking, and skills-focused.

Here’s how we’re driving change:

✅ Targeted Outreach and Candidate Support

We actively promote trade roles to women through community partnerships, digital campaigns, and collaboration with training providers. From pre-apprentices to experienced tradies, we offer career guidance, resume help, and mentorship access.

✅ Employer Education

We work with employers to create gender-inclusive job descriptions, address unconscious bias in hiring, and promote flexible site rosters where possible. We also highlight the business benefits of hiring women and provide ongoing candidate support.

✅ Advocating for Equal Opportunities

We support women’s participation in both metropolitan and regional trade roles across Australia, including construction, logistics, warehousing, and maintenance. Our focus is always on skill, safety, and suitability — not outdated stereotypes.

Tips for Employers: Making Trades More Inclusive

If your business is looking to attract and retain more women in trade roles, here are practical steps you can take:

• Promote inclusivity in your branding and job ads
• Ensure facilities (like PPE and site amenities) cater to all genders
• Offer flexibility where possible
• Establish mentoring programs or buddy systems
• Listen to feedback and create a safe, respectful workplace culture

Remember: a more inclusive site is a more productive site.

Final Thoughts

The labour shortage in Australia’s trades won’t be solved without tapping into underutilised talent pools — and women represent one of the biggest. Breaking down the barriers isn’t just a social responsibility — it’s an economic necessity.

At Surematch Recruitment, we’re proud to be part of this shift. By connecting skilled female workers with employers ready to embrace diversity, we’re helping shape a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive workforce for the future.

If you’re a business ready to build a more balanced team — or a woman looking to start or grow your trade career — Surematch is here to support you.