A new era in construction training has arrived, with Bendigo TAFE’s first ever female and gender diverse construction course coming to Castlemaine.
Enrolments are now open for the Certificate II in Construction Pathways (CPC20220), specifically set up for female, gender diverse and non-binary people in a first for the region
Set to start in February 2025, the course will be predominantly taught by trainers who are also female and gender diverse, providing learners with a safe and inclusive environment to gain skills in construction.
This may open doors to apprenticeships and careers in construction, helping to meet a strong demand for skilled workers to support key state priorities like Victoria’s Housing Statement, with a target of 800,000 new homes to be built by 2033.
Construction is amongst the least gender diverse industries in Australia, with women making up just 14% of workers in civil construction and 2% for onsite roles – figures that have remained constant for a decade.
Armed with 15 years of carpentry experience Bendigo TAFE female trainer and program champion, Su Hauck, expects the course to inspire more women and gender diverse learners to take up tools.
“Giving women and gender diverse people a place to grow skills and knowledge in their own unique way is what diversity is all about,” Su said.
“Getting on the tools can be quite daunting - having female and gender diverse trainers and working alongside students that are ‘like’ you, can really help with confidence.
“My hope is that offering a tailored experience for learning will encourage those who want to learn trades, who otherwise might not have done so.”
(Bendigo TAFE carpentry trainer Su Hauck.)
The course aligns to a growing emphasis in diversity within the construction industry spearheaded by Victorian Government initiatives like the Building Equality Policy and gender equality strategy and action plan 2023-2027, particularly in regional communities where access to opportunities may be limited.
Bendigo TAFE’s commitment to drive opportunities for women in trades has gained traction over the years.
In addition to recruiting more female trades trainers, Bendigo TAFE has seen consistent growth in new female enrolments in trade courses, with 2024 enrolments at a five-year high and more than double what it was in 2019.
Recognised as one of Australia’s most exceptional educators at the 2024 Empowered Women In Trades Awards, Su says encouraging more diversity in the sector brings an array of benefits.
“Within the industry there is currently a push for diversity driven by government policies and quotas,” Su said.
“As the industry has had more and more experiences with female apprentices and students, I’m hearing just how impressed they are.
“A lot of my customers have also had great experiences with female tradies. Having that diversity satisfies the needs of customers in various ways.”
Su is looking forward to training the next generation of female and gender diverse tradespersons through this new program – and has this to say to aspiring learners:
“If you want to jump on board and learn carpentry, it’s the best thing ever. I couldn’t make a higher recommendation if you’re a hands-on, practical learner,” Su said.
“You get to the end of the project, and you just sit there and look at it, and you think, ‘I made that’. It’s so empowering and rewarding.”
Enrolment for the Certificate II in Construction Pathways is now open with Free TAFE* available to eligible learners. Enrol or find more information here.
Comments attributable to Sally Curtain, Bendigo TAFE Chief Executive Officer:
“At Bendigo TAFE, we're committed to providing inclusive education and empowering all learners.
“We’re proud to offer this construction course as a pathway for women and gender diverse individuals to break into this high-demand field, contributing to both workforce diversity and addressing critical skills shortages in the construction industry.”
