The WA government has launched a new campaign inviting women across Western Australia to apply for its Women in Trades Scholarship Program, aimed at increasing the number of women entering high-demand, well-paying trade and technical careers.
The $2 million initiative will provide 100 scholarships in 2026, valued at $5,000 each, across the state’s five TAFE colleges — including regional areas.
In total, the program will fund up to 400 placements over four years.
The scholarships are part of the government’s ongoing effort to build a skilled, diverse and productive workforce by encouraging women into fields where they have historically been underrepresented, such as building and construction, engineering, manufacturing, clean energy, and mining.
Under the program, scholarship recipients can use the payment to help cover essential education and training costs, including course fees, learning resources, tools, protective workwear, licences, transport, accommodation and childcare.
Participants will also have access to additional mentoring and support services to help them complete their qualifications and transition confidently into employment.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to providing fair and affordable access to training opportunities for everyone in the state.
She said the scholarships will help women gain the right skills to take advantage of strong job prospects in growing sectors.
Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk said tackling outdated gender stereotypes remains essential to growing women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields. She emphasised that financial support can make a real difference for women looking to retrain or start apprenticeships.
The Women in Trades Scholarship Program will be promoted across social media, streaming platforms and radio, following the success of the government’s You Can Make It Here campaign.
That earlier initiative showcased the diverse career pathways available through more than 250 fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses throughout Western Australia.
Women currently make up less than a quarter of the workforce in many trade and technical occupations.
Government officials say widening access to vocational training is an important step toward improving economic equality and ensuring that WA industries have the skilled workers they need to support future growth.
Applications for the 2026 scholarships are now open across all five WA TAFEs.
 acknowledges the government’s recently announced $10 billion housing fund initiative to construct 30,000 new homes in the next five years as a positive initial step in addressing the immediate housing needs of Australia. However, this vision needs to encompass not just housing, but the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure to effectively support population growth. *The Intergenerational Report 2023*, recently released by the Treasurer of Australia, echoes this necessity, outlining the critical role of infrastructure in supporting socio-economic development and enabling economic and productivity growth. It highlights the continued and increasing investment in infrastructure to help reduce congestion and ensure the smooth, efficient movement of goods and people nationally and internationally. These measures are instrumental in enhancing connectivity, providing access to employment, healthcare, education, and community activities. CJC Management believes that true, sustainable growth requires a far-reaching, holistic approach. While appreciative of the government's focus on housing, the company recognises that extensive and collaborative efforts are needed beyond this sector. CJC Management Group Managing Director Colin Calder said: “The $10 billion housing fund and the Federal Government’s commitment to transport infrastructure expenditure give us a framework upon which we can construct a strong and resilient infrastructure for Australia. As the report suggests, a strategic review of the Infrastructure Investment Program and enhanced planning and coordination with states and territories are essential to improve the quality and sustainability of long-term infrastructure spending.” The Australian engineering and construction industry is changing, especially in regards to the management of project delivery risks. Calder believes that to adapt to this changing landscape, “Organisations will need to establish robust governance, incorporate thorough risk management practices, and employ advanced digital systems for accurate reporting and forecasting. Early engagement with contractors and the adoption of adaptable, performance-incentivised delivery models will be crucial for navigating this emerging industry scenario efficiently.” The construction industry continues to face numerous challenges, including escalated material costs, labour issues, and supply chain disruptions, which are contributing to poor project performance. According to KPMG, with only half of the projects being completed on time, contractors worldwide including in Australia, are under significant pressure. Despite these obstacles, there’s a substantial opportunity for improvement in the sector. Organisations handling major projects should prioritise proper delivery and procurement models, precise cost estimates, and realistic schedules. Emphasis should also be on comprehensive risk management, cost analysis, fair risk distribution, efficient project management offices, solid governance, integrated project controls, and utilising data analytics and technology to boost project performance and productivity. A growing trend is evident as the construction industry increasingly adopts diverse technologies including mobile platforms, AI, and robotic process automation. Alongside the notable surge in modular or offsite manufacturing, these advanced technologies and methods are poised to markedly enhance the industry's efficiency and overall performance. Emphasising the importance of advanced tools, the sector is turning its attention towards project management information systems, integrated project controls, building information models, and sophisticated data analytics to amplify return on investment in construction projects. ESG considerations are emerging as a central focus not just in Australia, but globally in the infrastructure and construction sectors. Organisations are actively urging the industry to embrace more environmentally sustainable practices. Calder said: “This push is resulting in a significant shift with industry leaders establishing ambitious targets for reducing carbon footprints, waste, and pollution and heightening biodiversity awareness.” In addition, there is a marked effort to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry, all factors that are vital for future success. . “We are beginning to witness the industry not just talk about, but also act upon the belief that a diverse workforce is pivotal for enhancing project resilience. There is still a long way to go but, this industry approach effectively tackles disruption, brings fresh skills and perspectives to the forefront, and adeptly handles challenges tied to scheduling, remote working, and job site travel. To ensure continued progress, the industry needs to hold firm in its commitment to fostering inclusivity, investing in training and development, and implementing policies that support a diverse and equitable workplace,” said Calder. As Australia takes steps toward infrastructural improvement, Calder concludes that it is vital for the entire industry to look beyond traditional construction. “The inclusion of digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and workforce diversity is essential for the journey ahead. Together with other industry leaders, CJC Management is ready to share insights and collaborate extensively to ensure that our collective infrastructure robustly meets future demands and challenges particularly as our population grows,” said Calder.](https://www.buildaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_1108946396_edited-1000x667-1.jpg)
