Breaking Barriers: Women Flood Trades, Confronting Sexism and Call for Stronger Support

Working in a regional Queensland butcher shop in Eidsvold, 19-year-old apprentice Kirsten Drinkwater is proudly following a family tradition. Her grandfather previously worked at the local shop in her hometown, located 400 kilometres north-west of Brisbane.

"He really inspired me, he got me into it," Ms Drinkwater said. "He's very, very proud of me."

As a second-year apprentice, Ms Drinkwater is part of a rapidly growing cohort of women stepping into historically male-dominated roles. Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research reveals that the number of female apprentice butchers in Queensland has more than tripled since 2020. Last year, 35 women commenced butchery apprenticeships in the state, up from 25 in 2022. Similar increases are being registered in other trades like plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration, while traditional female pathways like hairdressing have seen a drop of nearly 200 female commencements over the same timeframe.

Ms Drinkwater attributes this shift to evolving social norms. "I just think it's becoming more accessible for us," she said. "There's a lot less fear of being discriminated against … I can just feel it, something is happening and the world's just becoming a little bit more inclusive."

The Struggle for Completion

Despite rising enrollment numbers, trade completion rates among women remain low. Sarojni Choy, a researcher in adult vocational education at Griffith University, noted that while public messaging and increased visibility of role models are drawing women in, retention is a major hurdle. Out of 25 women who began a four-year butcher's apprenticeship in 2022, only 10 successfully completed their qualifications in 2025. Some sectors have failed to yield any female tradespeople in recent years.

"I think we are seeing a real, if modest, shift towards some of the non-traditional occupations for women," Professor Choy said. "The challenge now is to convert that interest into sustained participation and completion."

Sexism and Lack of Support Block Progress

The hurdles female apprentices face often include severe discrimination and harassment. Professor Rae Cooper, director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work at the University of Sydney, led a research project showing that a quarter of women working in automotive trades had directly experienced workplace sexual harassment.

"Everyday sexism, or actually pretty nasty sexism, we find are an experience of lots of women apprentices," Professor Cooper said.

In 2022, federal legislation was enacted requiring employers to take proactive steps to combat workplace sex discrimination and harassment. While Professor Cooper acknowledged these laws have fostered positive change in some sectors, she noted that "some aren't taking it seriously enough."

Furthermore, a lack of structural support around pregnancy and childcare is pushing women out of their trades. "When you interview women tradies, they'll often talk about the advice they give to younger apprentices, which is, 'Try not to get pregnant during the period of your apprenticeship,'" Professor Cooper said.

Calls for Broader Support

To address these imbalances, federal initiatives have targeted female workforce participation. Since early 2025, the federal government's Building Women's Careers Program has allocated $54.5 million to foster more inclusive workplace cultures. However, the program's scope is restricted to construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology sectors.

Professor Cooper argues that broader funding is needed to attract and retain women in other sectors experiencing national skills shortages. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations highlighted that women constitute the majority of free TAFE enrolments, and noted that apprentices and employers in priority industries may qualify for extra grants and incentives.

A Shift in Generational Attitudes

Despite the existing barriers, there is optimism for the future. Individual success stories, such as Tamika Banks winning the apprentice of the year award at the 2026 Australian Meat Excellence Awards, highlight the potential of women in the sector. Professor Cooper believes changing expectations among younger generations will continue to reshape workplaces.

"I think that the next generation of people who are commencing apprenticeships, particularly the young women, is less likely to put up with some of the things that women of their mothers' generation might have put up with," Professor Cooper said. "And I think that's a good thing."

For those entering the field, Ms Drinkwater advises careful research when choosing an employer. Following her apprenticeship, she plans to travel to Spain and Germany to study the international small goods trade.

"It can be difficult to find a workplace where you're accepted," Ms Drinkwater said. "But once you find the perfect spot, it's pretty easy to settle down and just get into it."