New data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in New South Wales’ construction industry, helping grow the skilled workforce needed to deliver homes, infrastructure, and major projects across the state.
In the lead-up to Women in Construction Week (1–7 March) and International Women’s Day (8 March), the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has found that the number of females in NSW enrolling in construction trades courses more than doubled in the five years to 2025.
Among the growing ranks of women changing the face of construction are Sydney’s Charlotte Ancell and Northern Rivers local Hayley Miles, two women from very different backgrounds who share the same determination to challenge stereotypes and build fulfilling careers through TAFE NSW.
For 23-year-old Charlotte Ancell, enrolling in a Certificate III in Shopfitting at TAFE NSW Lidcombe marked a bold step away from a traditional career path.
“Having studied at an all-girls high school, a career in construction was never an option,” said Charlotte.
“I followed the traditional route of going to university, where I graduated and worked as an Event Manager.
“After a few years, I realised my passion for DIY and prop-making couldn’t be ignored, so I chose to do an apprenticeship at TAFE NSW that would teach me hands-on skills I could take to the theatre.
“Learning a trade has been a blessing.
“It’s taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to work on some of Sydney’s largest infrastructure projects, like Ryde Hospital.”
Further north, 41-year-old Hayley Miles took a similar leap, swapping hairdressing scissors for hammers after more than a decade in the beauty industry.
Now a qualified carpenter and TAFE NSW Kingscliff graduate, Hayley is among the 12 per cent of women working in construction in Tweed.
“I come from a family of tradies, so choosing to become a carpenter was never that surprising,” said Hayley.
“Changing careers mid-life to work in a male-dominated industry was challenging, but I’m pleased I did it.
“Since graduating from TAFE NSW Kingscliff, I’ve started my own business, Hells Bells Carpentry, and recently got a full-time job with Tweed Rivers Timbers, which I’m enjoying.
“I’m proof there’s no gender or age barrier to becoming a tradie.
“By working hard and being assertive, your skills and reputation can take you anywhere.”
TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins (a qualified electrician by trade) said the increasing number of women entering the sector was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.
“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades in Sydney and the Northern Rivers, and increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” Perkins said.
“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, said increasing female participation in the trades was key to building a resilient, future-ready 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,” Whan said.
“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.”
