By Georgia Parsonson
The number of women who have attended TAFE and obtained qualification has increased in the first three months of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 and 2019.
This financial year, female enrollment across TAFE Queensland has increased by around 7,375, indicating that women are breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries.
The records indicate that the number of women enrolled in construction has increased by 200 in the last 12 months. Automotive, Engineering, Hospitality, and Retail have also received an increase in female students.
“This is great news with an increase of 1,164 more women completing their qualifications this year when compared to the same period in 2019-20,” Di Farmer, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, said.
According to Fiona Lamari, Co-Vice President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the increase in trained women means more are likely to be employed, including those in traditionally male-dominated industries.
“Many employers and industries that were struggling to find skilled workers are looking to recruit, train and retain more women in their workforces,” Ms Lamari explained.
The cost of these women’s traineeships, apprenticeships, and vocational courses are funded by the Queensland government’s Free TAFE and Free Apprenticeships program.
“This allows young people to focus on their studies and work without the worry of training debt,” Ms Farmer explained.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $150 million to revitalise TAFE infrastructure across Queensland since 2017.
“Our Government is also covering the training costs for eligible young people up to 25 years old to study in-demand qualifications.”
“The investment of $21 million to extend the free training to under 25s this year means that 37,000 more young men and women have become eligible to enrol in 165 priority qualifications, through Free TAFE or Free Apprenticeships.
“More than 30,500 young Queenslanders now have accessed our free training, including over 27,000 apprentices and trainees.”
For more information, visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 935.