Isn’t it great that a growing number of women are entering the trade industry. Traditionally the trades have been male-dominated; however, women in trades not only benefit women they help the tradie industry as a whole. Here’s why;
- Shortage of workers.
NZ is experiencing a labour shortage crisis. Women make up 50% of the population, and according to Trade Careers, only 13% of all Tradies are women in New Zealand. Now is an excellent time for women to enter the trades.
- Better safety on site.
Women are more detail-orientated and safety-conscious. Measure twice; cut once is the adage. Mixed teams appear to be safer and happier and make less costly mistakes.
- Better productivity.
Employers who have mixed teams have noticed an increase in productivity. Women feel they have something to prove, so they work hard. Employers have seen the men in diverse teams ‘pull up their socks.’ and are less prone to slacking off.
- New ideas
Women bring a fresh perspective and new ideas. If those ideas are better ways to work, everyone wins.
Why would a woman choose a trade career?
- More money
Female school leavers who enter apprenticeships can earn $145,000 more than their university counterparts by the age of 30.
- Better career advancement
Many women work hard and are in team leader and management positions early in their careers.
- Better work-life balance
Aroha Savage was able to juggle her building career with her rugby career. “I could travel for rugby while I wasn’t on the tools. I managed to win a World Cup during this time which was another proud moment.”
What challenges do women face if they want to work in trades?
- Physical strength.
- Lack of confidence.
- Toilets on construction sites and
- discrimination, sexism,
These challenges can be overcome. Many women train with dumbbells to build their physical strength.
Persistence has overcome discrimination, especially when landing their first job out of training. Lack of confidence can be overcome through support and role models.
Support for Women Tradies
Some organisations focus specifically on supporting women in trades, such as;
NIWAC
National Association of Women in Construction
A voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations that provide services to the construction industry
https://www.nawic.org.nz/
Women in Trades
Women in Trades (WIT) is a not-for-profit that promotes trades and trades training as a viable career option for women and employers. A committed group of people runs the organisation from in and around the trades and trades services industries.
https://www.womenintradesnz.com/
Role models
Seeing other women who have succeeded in the trades can inspire and motivate women just starting out in the industry. Here is some inspiration online.
The Women in Trades website
Has a monthly Women in Tradies Wednesday blog, sharing success stories and discussing issues. https://www.womenintradesnz.com/news-info
Mito/Te Pukenga website
Features women in trades as part of their qualified success stories.
https://www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/success-stories/
Successful women in Trades speak up.
Colleen Upton, General Manager of Hutt Gas and Plumbing, often talks to young women in schools about a career in trades.
She will co-host our next information session on International Women’s Day, March 8th, at 7:00 pm. Our session will be focusing on Women in Trades.
You can sign up on our website or follow this link:
Save this link; https://zoom.us/j/93015254129
Meeting ID: 930 1525 4129.
References
NAWIC https://www.nawic.org/
The Women in Trades https://www.womenintradesnz.com/news-info
Mito/Te Pukenga https://www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/success-stories/
We Love Tradies HR Ltd blogs contain only general information about legal matters. It is not intended to be legal advice and should not be treated, or relied on, as such. For legal advice specific to your facts, please get in touch with a lawyer appropriate to your legal issue.
