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Big Sister: Advanced Mentoring SA/WA
Industry: Clean Energy & Construction
Location: SA & WA
Lead: Electrical Trades Union
Big Sister drives transformational change in the construction and clean energy sectors by implementing an access and retention program for women apprentices led by women for women.
Focused on breaking down barriers and building a gender-inclusive workforce, Big Sister aims to increase the commencement rate of women apprentices by 50% by 2028 and reduce non-completion rates. It will host educational events and support women into a pre-apprenticeship program with 80% starting an apprenticeship with an industry-based woman mentor and an employer committed to creating positive change through Big Sister.
Partners: ECA Training Pty Ltd, Electrocomms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council Ltd, Nilsen (WA) Pty Ltd, NSG (BOFFA) Pty Ltd, Peer TC Pty Ltd & The University of Sydney.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Trades and Tech
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Construction and Digital and Technology
Location: National
Lead: Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union
This project has 2 key initiatives: Breaking Barriers in Industry and Breaking Barriers in Training.
The industry initiative partners with companies, with the support of community organisations, to improve flexibility, workplace culture and gender equity in workplaces, reaching over 30,000 workers through the development, piloting and delivery of tailored trainings and action plans.
The Training initiative collaborates with TAFEs, Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and industry to deliver flexible, co-designed pathways for women into apprenticeships and technical roles.
Partners: The Australian Industry Group, Alstom Transport Australia, ARA Manufacture Pty Ltd, Asian Women at Work Inc, Bega Dairy and Drinks Services Pty Ltd, Bendigo Kangan Institute, CDC Victoria Pty Ltd, Central Highlands Group Training Incorporated, First Person Consulting Pty Ltd, Migrant Workers Centre Limited, South Metropolitan TAFE, TAFE Queensland, Technical and Further Education Commission, Thales Australia Limited, Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd, UGL Engineering Pty Ltd, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd & Womens Health in the North Inc.
Building Futures: Breaking the Barriers for Women in the Plumbing Industry
Industry: Construction, Clean Energy
Location: VIC, QLD & NSW
Lead: Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC)
This project will create, promote and deliver a national training program within the Australian Plumbing Industry addressing the cultural and attitudinal changes needed to make the industry attractive, welcoming, and culturally safe for women.
This first focus of this project is for employers, by developing and implementing a national framework which supports a structured approach to promote the culturally safe environment, reduce gender discrimination and promote career pathways. The second is aimed at individuals, with an education program addressing the role an individual plays in promoting the change in current industry culture.
Partners: Action Centre Ltd, AMCA AUSTRALIA OLD LIMITED, AXIS Plumbing NSW Group Pty Ltd, CEPU - Plumbing Division, Cooke & Dowsett Pty Ltd, Leemak Fire protection Pty Ltd, National Fire, Industry Association of Australia Ltd, Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) Ltd & The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia.
Driving Gender Equity: Strengthening GTOs to Build Women's Careers
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy and Construction
Location: National
Lead: Group Training Australia Ltd
This project empowers Group Training Organisations (GTOs) to drive change in male-dominated trades like civil construction, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing by addressing barriers for women.
A Gender Equality Action Plan, informed by policy analysis, will guide gender-focused training for GTO leaders and field officers. It will also establish a national women's peer network, connecting female apprentices to share experiences, access mentorship, and address challenges in a safe, supportive space.
These professionally facilitated networks will foster discussion, guidance, and collaboration to support women’s success in priority industries.
Partners: Australian Workers Union, Bendigo Kangan Institute, ECA Training Pty Limited, HVTC Pty Ltd, MEGT (Australia) Ltd, Women in Adult and Vocational Education.
Transforming Gender Equity in Clean Energy Apprenticeships
Location: VIC & TAS
Lead: Future Energy Skills Ltd
This project will address the clean energy skill shortages through the design and implementation of gender equity apprenticeships. The project will include applied research methods to identify and address specific systemic and cultural barriers to women’s participation in clean energy apprenticeships.
The project will inform a best practice model that can be adopted across the sector and encourage employers to become part of the solution by trialling changes in employment, cultural norms and training arrangements.
Research will inform the development of online support tools for employers. Case study exemplars will demonstrate a scalable model that can increase female apprenticeship participation across the apprenticeship ecosystem.
Partners: Electrical Trades Union, Bendigo Kangan Institute, NECA - Victorian Branch, NECA Education and Careers Ltd, TASTAFE, The Busy Group Ltd, Tradeswomen Australia Foundation Ltd.