Surveys launched to get more women into the trades

April 14, 2021

Trade Careers launched two nationwide surveys on Wednesday 14 April 2021 to understand more about why women are not entering trade careers and what may be preventing employers in the trades from hiring more women.

To date, 22,000 women have lost their jobs in New Zealand due to COVID-19.

Women make up half the population, yet there are only 13.5% of women in the trades, including administrative roles.

Trade Careers is the first project of the newly formed Women in Trades Collective (WITC). It is supported by a number of industry training organisations, including Competenz, and is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) estimates 56,000 new jobs in construction by 2029 — far more than the 24,000 jobs created in the past decade.

“Having more women in the trades will play a big part in meeting the long-term skills shortage in the industry. Unfortunately, for many women, entering the trades is easier said than done.’ says Fiona Kingsford, Chief Executive of Competenz.

Have your say and take the survey to help Trade Careers learn more about women and what they need to enter the trades.

The following surveys are running from 14 April 2021 to 7 May 2021.

Women Survey

Employer Survey

For more information, go to the Trade Careers website.