Hottest Careers for Women in Trades in 2024

Are you looking to find an ideal career this year? Have you ever considered a career in trades?

Some trades are traditionally male-dominated and designated as such by the Australian government. Think electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and landscapers. All of these trades are in what we call a “skills shortage” – meaning we need more people working in these trades.

This is creating more trade opportunities for women than ever before.

So, if you want a skill that’s in high demand, and to learn and earn on the job, look no further! Here's a list of the hottest trade professions for women in 2024. 

Plumber

Plumbers install, maintain and repair pipes, drains, guttering and metal roofing, mechanical services and related equipment for water supply, gas, drainage, sewerage, heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

Job Outlook

According to the Labour Market Insights*, plumbers have a predicted 8.6% future growth, meaning there will be a high demand for jobs in the coming years.

The most recent data proves that plumbing is expected to grow strongly and is likely to reach 100,300 by 2026.

However, women make up only 1% of qualified plumbers nationally. This goes to show that there will be a need for more women to participate to make for a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the plumbing industry.

Education and Training

The best pathway to a plumbing qualification is through Vocational Education and Training (VET) by obtaining a Certificate III in plumbing. This course must be completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Read a real-life story about what it's like to work as a plumber. 

Carpenter

Carpenters construct, erect, install, renovate and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, wallboard and other materials.

Job Outlook

According to Randstad* findings, carpentry jobs are in consistent demand in Australia due to the wide range of job roles like heritage carpentry, shop fitting, and set design. The projected job growth for carpenters between 2020 and 2025 is 8.1%, which means the demand is steady, unlikely to change, and carpenters will have numerous opportunities.

Like plumbing, women in carpentry comprise only 1% of the qualified workforce.

Education and Training

A Certificate III in Carpentry is the most common path to entering the industry. The course must be completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Read a real-life story about what it's like to work as a carpenter.

Electrician

Electricians design, assemble, install, test, commission, diagnose, maintain and repair electrical networks, systems, circuits, equipment, components, appliances and facilities for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes, and service and repair lifts, escalators and related equipment.

Job Outlook

Labour Market Insights predicts a positive job outlook for electricians at a 10.8% growth rate. The number of workers in this industry is expected to grow strongly; however, women still comprise only 2% of the workforce.

Education and Training

A certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician or Systems Electrician) is required to work as an Electrician. This course must be completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Read a real-life story about what it's like to work as an electrician.

Baker and pastrycooks

Bakers and Pastrycooks prepare and bake bread loaves and rolls, buns, cakes, biscuits and pastry goods.

Job Outlook

Bakers and Pastrycooks can also look forward to a positive job prospect outlook, with a 2.9% future growth outlook.

There’s a much higher participation rate of women than in other trades, at 32%.

Education and Training

Bakers and Pastrycooks achieve their trade qualification by completing a Certificate III in Baking or Cake and Pastry or Bread Baking. These courses must be completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Read more details about a career as a baker. 

Landscaper

Landscape Gardeners plan and construct garden landscapes.

Job Outlook

There isn’t exact data available, but According to CareerHQ*, overall employment of landscape workers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

The female participation rate is 5%, which suggests many opportunities for women seeking a career in landscaping to ensure a more balanced workforce.

Education and Training

A Certificate III in Landscape Construction is required to be a qualified Landscape Gardener.

Read a real-life story about what it's like to work in landscaping. 

If you’re interested in any of these trades, please feel free to head over to Skillsroad and complete our Job Fit Test.

Industry professionals designed the Job Fit Test to help you find clarity and become more work-ready, whatever career you decide to pursue! When you complete the test, one of our team members will contact you to help you understand your results and answer any questions you may have.

Still thinking? To find out what careers best suit your skills, check out the Career Quiz. 

Sources: 

1. Labour Market Insights 

2. Randstad 

3. CareerHQ

4. Indeed