Creating a Village of Like-Minded Organisations to Achieve 30% Female Representation in Trades by 2030

The skilled trades industry in Australia is facing a critical shortage of workers. To address this issue, Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) is on a mission to increase female representation in skilled trades to 30% by 2030. This ambitious target requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions and government bodies.

The Skills Shortage Crisis

Australia's construction, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors are experiencing severe skills shortages. The construction industry alone is projected to need nearly half a million additional workers in the coming years to meet the growing demand for infrastructure and housing. The renewable energy sector, essential for Australia's transition to a sustainable future, faces a shortage of skilled workers necessary to implement new technologies and maintain existing systems in place. According to the National Skills Commission's 2022 Skills Priority List, plumbers are among the occupations with a persistent shortage. The plumbing sector is in dire need of more than 10,000 workers in the next two years. The job vacancy rate for plumbers has been consistently high, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled workers in this trade, contributing to other challenges in the trades industry such as male-dominated professions. The analysis highlights the need for urgent measures to address the skills shortage, emphasising that employers are struggling to find qualified plumbers despite offering competitive remuneration and conditions of employment.

According to the Australian Industry Group, more than 75% of businesses report difficulties in hiring skilled workers. This shortage leads to increased costs and delays, further straining resources and impacting profitability. The skills gap has been highlighted in a report by the Australian Government's National Skills Commission, particularly in the construction, healthcare and information technology industries. For instance, the construction industry is crucial for infrastructure development and sustainability projects. The shortage of skilled workers construction alone has resulted in project delays and increased costs as businesses struggle to find qualified workers to complete essential tasks.

The Economic Impact

The skills shortage has significant economic implications. Businesses are struggling to meet project deadlines, leading to increased costs and delays. This shortage also affects Australia's overall economic growth, as industries critical to infrastructure and sustainability face obstacles in their operations. The skills shortage directly affects Australia’s GDP growth. The Reserve Bank of Australia notes that the lack of skilled labor is a constraint on economic expansion, reducing the country's potential growth rate. In their Statement on Monetary Policy from May 2024, they reported that the outlook for the labour market remains uncertain and unemployment is expected to increase more gradually than previously anticipated. This will delay major infrastructure projects which is essential for Australia’s long-term economic growth.???

Benefits of Increasing Female Representation

Academic research supports the benefits of female representation in the workplace. Studies have shown that inclusive teams lead to better business outcomes. Increasing female representation in?the workplace will increase the businesses revenue as innovation capabilities and enhanced problem solving will rise, as found in The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report. It also highlights how companies with women of high representation in top management positions have been linked to improvements in organisational performance and market value. Found in the WGEA’s 2022-2023 Gender Equality Scorecard, workplace gender diversity can positively impact a company's ability to appeal and retain skilled employees. This is further supported by the Diversity Council of Australia, reporting that flexibility in work arrangements is a top employment driver for both men and women, leading to higher engagement and motivation.

Increasing Female Representation in Skilled Trades Offers Multiple Benefits

1. Alleviating Skills Shortages: By tapping into the underrepresented female talent, industries can mitigate the skills gap and ensure a steady supply of qualified workers.

2. Economic Growth: Women entering skilled trades can help drive economic growth by filling essential roles and contributing to increased productivity.

3. Workplace Diversity: Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and effective. By promoting gender diversity, businesses can enhance their problem-solving capabilities and drive better business outcomes.

4. Social Equity: Providing women with opportunities in skilled trades supports gender equity, reduces the gender pay gap while offering women financial independence and career stability.

The Role of EWIT Alliance

The EWIT Alliance is a collaborative platform designed to bring together like-minded organisations committed to increasing female representation in skilled trades. EWIT provides a range of supportive pathways into trades such as hands-on tool days, visiting high schools and talking with young women about their career options, providing pre-employment courses directly with the employers.

By joining, EWIT Alliance businesses can:

- Showcase Commitment: Demonstrate their dedication to diversity, inclusion and social equity.

- Access Resources: Benefit from EWIT's expertise, programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain women in trades.

- Collaborate and Network: Engage with other forward-thinking organisations to share best practices, insights and strategies.

- Drive Change: Contribute to meaningful change in the industry by supporting programs that promote gender diversity and address cultural challenges within workplaces.

Call to Action

EWIT invites businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies to join the EWIT Alliance and work together to achieve the goal of 30% female representation in skilled trades by 2030. By collaborating, we can create a supportive, inclusive, and thriving environment for women in trades, addressing skills shortages and driving economic growth.

For more information on how to join the EWIT Alliance and contribute to this transformative initiative, please visit our website or contact us directly on 1800 183 948.

Together, we can make a significant impact and build a better future for all!