International Women’s Day – 8 March 👩🏻💜
On 8 March, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the increasing contribution of women across all sectors of our society. In Australia, the tradies industry—traditionally dominated by men—is witnessing a significant transformation thanks to the growing number of women entering fields such as construction, plumbing, electrical, and other technical trades. In this article, we explore both the benefits and challenges that women face in this industry, supported by recent statistics.
The Rise of Female Participation in the Tradies Industry 💪🏻
Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women entering the tradies industry. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Centre for Workforce Innovation indicate that the percentage of women in these roles has grown from around 9–10% in 2010 to approximately 12–14% in 2023. This steady increase is a positive sign of change and reflects the impact of targeted training initiatives and mentorship programmes designed to break down traditional barriers.
Pros: The Benefits and Contributions of Women in the Industry
- Diverse Perspectives and Innovative Solutions
Women bring fresh, creative approaches to solving technical and operational challenges. A study by the Workplace Diversity Institute found that diverse teams can boost productivity by up to 20%, leading to more effective problem-solving and process optimisation. - Enhanced Workplace Culture
The inclusion of women fosters a more balanced and collaborative work environment. Leadership qualities such as empathetic communication and team cohesion—often associated with female work styles—can reduce conflicts and promote a respectful, cooperative culture. - Multifaceted Skill Development
Women in tradies roles frequently demonstrate a strong ability to manage multiple tasks and roles, incorporating both technical expertise and administrative skills. According to the Australian Apprenticeship Statistics 2022, while only 18% of apprentices in technical trades are women, these programmes are empowering them with a wide range of skills beyond just the technical aspects. - Challenging Stereotypes and Driving Social Change
The growing presence of women in traditionally male-dominated roles is challenging longstanding stereotypes and paving the way for greater gender equality. Despite only around 5% of supervisory positions in construction being held by women, this statistic highlights both the challenges and the tremendous opportunity for change.
Cons: Challenges and Obstacles Persist
- Cultural Barriers and Stereotypes
Despite progress, cultural biases and traditional stereotypes can still hinder women’s full integration into the industry, limiting their access to training and advancement opportunities. - Salary Inequality
Research, including the Australian Gender Pay Gap Report, reveals that women in construction can earn up to 15%less than their male counterparts, evidencing a wage gap that still needs addressing. - Workplace Conditions and Inadequate Equipment
The physically demanding nature of tradies work means that women may face additional challenges, such as a lack of suitably designed facilities or tools, which can affect both comfort and safety. - Limited Access to Training and Mentorship
Although there has been an increase in technical training for women, the scarcity of robust mentorship networks and specialised support programmes continues to be a barrier to their professional growth.
Our Commitment at EPS Clean
At EPS Clean, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tradies industry. We firmly believe that supporting women in these roles is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation and excellence in the sector. EPS Clean actively backs initiatives that encourage more women to enter technical trades, celebrating the achievements of those who break down barriers every day and lead the change towards a more inclusive future.
