Signs of success: how VU’s talented women in trades are making their mark
With nearly 80% more women training as apprentices today in male-dominated trades, the landscape of the industry is changing – but it’s a slow burn. While women account for around half of the Australian workforce, the gender split within the sphere of manual trades means women only make up 8% of apprentices.
There are sustained efforts by policymakers to boost female participation and champion female or gender diverse people within trades – such as the planned Building Women’s Careers Program. But it’s not just the government who are making moves: educational institutions are also helping diversify the industry by starting at training level.
Our VU Women in Trades program provides support networks and opportunities for women across male-dominated areas like plumbing, electrotechnology, or signage – helping reduce the gap in gender equality within them.
Signs and graphics educator Chloe Quilty and students Renee Rinnovasi and Jordyn McConchie are just some of those writing the future of the industry in bold typeface at VU. They're helping forge a strong path ahead for women – and we asked them about where they hope it will lead.
How did you get into signs and graphics?
Chloe: I attended Try A Trade day in Year 12, where I was introduced to the industry. At that point I knew I wanted to do something creative but I still didn’t know what. I applied for a Certificate II in Signs and Graphics (Pre-Apprenticeship) at VU which was only a three month commitment – so I thought if I didn’t like it, it’s only a small deferral. I loved the course and my time at VU and I immediately signed up for my apprenticeship in Signs and Graphics afterwards.
I had a great time at VU as an apprentice and had amazing teachers, and knew from then I wanted to teach here someday too. I continued to work in the industry, getting qualified and gaining more experience until I had the required time and experience up my sleeve to teach at VU – ten years after starting my apprenticeship there, and alongside one of the teachers who originally introduced me to signwriting in high school!
Jordyn: I come from a full-time sporting background where I was training and competing seven days a week. When I chose to retire, I needed something to fill my time, and a trade was something I had been interested in for a while. I am a very hands-on person, and when I saw the job advertisement pop up for an apprentice signwriter, I couldn’t help myself but to look into this career option a little more. Still knowing minimal about the trade itself, I went for the interview, received the apprenticeship and I haven’t looked back since.
Renee: My background is in barbering and sales within that field. I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career with a hands-on or design approach. I have always been interested in all aspects of design, art, typography and the creative process, and really wanted to move away from direct customer facing or sales driven roles.
How does VU support female students and their journeys in signs and graphics?
Chloe: In the same way we support and mentor all of our students: with a listening ear, a team of caring staff including teachers, academic support staff, counsellors and amazing partner companies like Tradeswomen Australia and WomenCan. We also connect students of all genders, but in this case specifically the female students, with other female teachers or alumni students, to build their network, vent, and lean on.
Renee: VU has worked hard to prioritise inclusivity, and are very encouraging in general to females in trades – I have faced few challenges as a female trades student here.
Jordyn: VU has been great in welcoming females into the trade. Having a female teacher who is an incredible role model to myself and other students, really helps you feel understood and like you belong in the industry. I have felt embraced by my colleagues since day one.
How do VU’s methods of teaching and learning help students prepare for the real world of trades?
Jordyn: VU incorporates a wide range of hands-on activities that are exactly like the tasks you complete in the workforce. If you wish, you can spend more time practicing a particular skill which can make it much easier when it comes to doing that job at work.
Renee: The signage department has a lot of machinery and technology that I look forward to getting my hands on to be able to incorporate new skills in my workplace and explore the more hands-on units on offer.
Chloe: We work hand in hand with the industry to teach what is needed for the sector. The students learn in the same way they would in the industry, but in a classroom environment with other students. This gives them all directly transferrable skills they can take back to their workplace.
How can the industry and TAFE providers support female students?
Renee: Helping women find the ‘right’ companies that respect them and will help them grow and develop within their industry. Prioritising skill sets that women can bring other than physicality, because we offer so much more than that. Listening to women about what women need!
Jordyn: Being a woman in a trade is a lot more prevalent nowadays than it used to be which means that there is a lot more support and funding to encourage more of us to step into the trade sector. This also means that women are more likely to stay in their designated field as they feel more welcomed and like they belong. There are already so many support people and groups out there that make this journey feel easy.
Chloe: We are all constantly evolving and growing and the same can be said for industry and TAFE providers. The best way to keep improving and keep growing, is to keep listening to those experiencing the things firsthand and growing to better everyone’s situations.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to get into trades?
Renee: Just do it! In general, do your research, find a company or trade that has similar values that align with yours and people that want to genuinely invest in you and help you grow.
Chloe: Just give it a shot, the worst that will happen is it’s not for you, and you go onto something else. That was my attitude when I signed up to the Cert II when I was 17, and I’m 32 and still here, still doing it. If you’d like more info, pop in to your local trade school or TAFE for a public walkthrough. Sign up for work experience for a week or two somewhere, but also don’t be scared to move companies or move around.
Empowering women in trades
As a proud partner of Tradeswomen Australia, VU is committed to championing women in trades. When you study a trade with us, you’ll have access to free support and resources to set you up for success. This includes:
- Focused support to help guide you through any challenges you experience during your apprenticeship – whether in the workplace, during training or in your personal life.
- Learning hubs where you can get help and advice, or improve your study and employability skills.
- Counselling services that you can access for confidential mental health support when you need someone to talk to.
Considering a career in trades?
At VU, you’ll develop practical, in-demand skills, learn in state-of-the-art facilities like our Sunshine Construction Training Centre and build industry connections.
And, as qualified trades worker, the benefits are many. You’ll:
- Earn great money
- Develop skills in high demand
- Do practical, hands-on work every day
- Work flexible hours in a variety of locations
- Run a business and be your own boss.
Begin paving your way to a career in trades now.