Opening doors: ‘Empowering Her’ course gives women a pathway into the trades

A group of women in Western Australia are rethinking what’s possible for their futures, after completing a hands-on construction course designed to open the door to careers in traditionally male-dominated trades. 

Empowering Her is a collaborative initiative delivered through a partnership between Skill Hire, BUSY At Work’s BUSY Sisters program, the Local Jobs Program – Perth North Employment Region (WA) and the Construction Training Fund (CTF). Bringing together expertise in training, employment services, industry engagement and women’s participation initiatives, the partnership provides women with the opportunity to explore trade careers, develop practical skills, build confidence and connect with clear pathways into further training and employment.

Over the five-day course, participants earned their White Cards and rolled up their sleeves to try bricklaying, carpentry and other trade activities.  

Facilitator Simon Brazier was clear in describing the impact of the program.. 

“Just one word… fantastic,” he said. “Absolutely brilliant. The purpose of it was to try and get more women thinking about the possibility of working in industry. Most left the course feeling inspired and excited about what might lie ahead.”  

Building confidence and connection 

While the technical skills were a key component of the week, the course also created a space for connection and conversation. 

Many of the women had faced significant personal and professional challenges and the opportunity to speak openly with others who’d had similar experiences proved just as valuable as the training itself. 

“We spent a bit of time in the classroom where participants shared stories about the different experiences they’d been through,” Mr Brazier said. “I think it was really helpful for them to feel safe to speak with other people who have been through similar situations.”  

For participants like Miranda, that sense of connection and support was a highlight of the week.  

A First Nations woman with a background in hospitality and health, Miranda described the environment as ‘one of the most positive she has experienced in years’ and said it helped her to think differently about her future prospects. 

“I’ve been through a lot recently. A lot of grief and falling into negative cycles,” she said. This course really opened my eyes to the possibility of making change. Everybody was respectful, no-one was judgmental and it really felt like a safe place to be.” 

Miranda is now considering further training in cabinetry and continuing to build her skills, alongside long-term plans to run her own food van.  

Stepping outside comfort zones 

For Tammy, the course offered an opportunity to pursue a path away from office-based roles. 

After working in administration roles for years, the 45-year-old wanted a change – something more hands-on and practical. She described the experience as empowering and a source of pride.  

“This has been way better than I expected,” she said. “As a woman, you don’t get exposed to these kinds of things. But we had a good look at electrical and plumbing work. And to work alongside these girls was just awesome. I can’t tell you how proud we were to create and build something!” 

Having faced significant personal challenges, including unstable housing, Tammy said the course helped her rebuild confidence and rediscover a sense of purpose. “I’m not anyone else’s responsibility, it’s me that has to make the changes. Now I just want to get out there because giving up is not an option,” she said. 

Changing perceptions and possibilities 

By the end of the week, every participant registered their interest in doing some sort of pre-apprenticeship training, be it bricklaying, painting or construction. Some have already taken the next step, signing up to continue their training journey. 

Beyond individual outcomes, the Empowering Her program is helping to shift long-held perceptions about the value of women in trades.  Ultimately, it’s about possibility. Giving women the chance to explore new pathways, build confidence and take control of their futures.