How women get into construction in Australia: the 2026 guide

Key statistics

• Women make up 14.3% of Australia's total construction workforce, but only ~4% of on-site trade roles. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force Survey, 2024.)
• A first-year apprentice carpenter in NSW earns approximately $15.92/hour in 2026; a fourth-year apprentice earns approximately $25.67/hour. (Fair Work Ombudsman, Building & Construction Award MA000020.)
• 78% of women in trades cite "not knowing anyone in the industry" as the single biggest barrier before they applied. (NAWIC State of the Nation report, 2023.)
• The Australian Government's New Energy Apprenticeships program pays up to $10,000 in additional support to apprentices in clean-energy trades, open to all genders. (DEWR, 2025.)

Who this guide is for

Women, non-binary, and gender-diverse Australians who are curious about construction but don't have anyone in their family or network already in the industry. No experience required.

The four real pathways into construction

1. Apprenticeship: A 3 to 4 year paid training contract with an employer, leading to a nationally recognised trade qualification (Certificate III). You earn while you learn. Best for people who want a recognised trade (electrical, carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying).
2. Traineeship: Shorter (usually 12 to 24 months), broader scope. Good for civil construction, project support, and operator roles.
3. Direct entry: Trade assistant, labourer, traffic controller. No qualification required beyond a White Card. Often the fastest way to get on site and decide if construction is for you.
4. Pre-apprenticeship or taster: A short program (one day to a few weeks) that lets you try the work, meet women already in the trade, and get the basic tickets before you commit. This is the "try-before-you-commit" model LinkUp Careers focuses on.

Step-by-step: your first 30 days

1. Day 1 to 2. Book a White Card course (around $60 to $120, one day in person or online + in-person assessment). Required for every construction site in Australia.
2. Week 1. Get a Working With Children Check (WWCC) if you'll be on school or community sites. Free or low cost depending on state.
3. Week 1 to 2. Sign up to LinkUp Careers (free) and browse role models in your state. Reach out to two who are doing the work you're curious about.
4. Week 2 to 3. Attend a try-before-you-commit program, typically a site visit or a half-day taster with an employer that has committed to inclusive hiring.
5. Week 3 to 4. Apply for entry-level roles or apprenticeships listed on the LinkUp Careers Land page.

The tickets that actually matter

• White Card: Mandatory. Day one priority.
• Working With Children Check (WWCC): Required for some sites.
• Construction Induction Card: Equivalent of the White Card in some states; check your state's SafeWork agency.
• Forklift, EWP, Confined Spaces, First Aid: Add as the role requires. Employers often pay for these once you're hired.

Pay: what you actually earn

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Building & Construction Award MA000020, current rates effective 1 July 2025 (used as a 2026 proxy until July 2026 update).

The real barriers (and how to get past them)

• "I don't know anyone in the industry." This is the #1 barrier: 78% of women in trades report it. Fix: connect with a role model in your state through LinkUp Careers.
• "I don't want to be the only woman on site." Look for employers signed to the NAWIC commitment or CCF Women in Civil partners. They have multiple women on site by design.
• "I'm worried about the physical work." Most trades use tools and lift gear, not raw strength. Pre-apprenticeship programs let you find out before you commit.
• "I'm in my 30s/40s. Too late?" The average first-year apprentice in Australia is now over 25. Career changers are the fastest-growing cohort.

Common questions