Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows female enrolments in construction trades courses in NSW have more than doubled in five years, underscoring the growing role women are playing in strengthening the skilled workforce.

Among those contributing to the shift is Port Macquarie apprentice Breanna Alpen, who discovered plumbing while working as a labourer to support her rugby union commitments. Now a second-year apprentice with Enjoy Plumbing, Beanna says moving into the trades was the best decision she had made.

“I was never really into school, but I was into my footy, and I got exposed to the trades while I was working a labouring job in Brisbane. As I began to learn about plumbing, I just got addicted to it and when I returned to Port, the first thing I did was look for an apprenticeship,” she says.

“I just love everything about the job; every day is different and I love being able to help people.”

Currently training at TAFE NSW in Coffs Harbour, Beanna says the hands-on training environment has strengthened her technical skills and industry network across the Mid North Coast.

The construction sector contributes more than $2 billion in annual output within the Port Macquarie council area and employs almost 3,400 people, according to Economy ID data, reinforcing the importance of workforce growth to sustain local economic activity.

TAFE NSW executive director of teaching and learning in construction and energy, Jennifer Perkins, says increasing female participation was critical to meeting industry demand.

“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades on the mid-North Coast. Increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” she says.

“More women on worksites strengthens teams, boosts productivity and supports the long-term future of the industry.”

NSW minister for skills, TAFE and tertiary education Steve Whan says supporting women to enter and thrive in the trades was key to building a resilient workforce.

“The construction industry needs more skilled workers, and supporting more women to enter, train and thrive in the sector is critical to meeting that demand,” he says.

“TAFE NSW is supporting more women to train and succeed in trade-based jobs, proving that gender should not be a barrier to pursuing a rewarding, hands-on career.”