'Women in Electrical Trades Roadmap' launched

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has launched the ‘Women in Electrical Trades Roadmap’ with Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Training, at the NECA College of Electrical Training, Joondalup Campus.

The Women in Electrical Trades Roadmap is a national initiative aimed at increasing recruitment and retention of women in the electrical trades. This initiative was developed in consultation with employers, apprentices, registered training organisations (RTOs) and government training organisation (GTOs).

“Increasing the number of women in the trades is a complex issue, but not unresolvable,” said Suresh Manickam, CEO of NECA.

“Unfortunately, parents and young women do not have a good understanding of the electrical trades. This leads to a poor perception of the electrical trades among parents — this is something that we all need to change. We need to get into schools much earlier. We need to inform young women and their parents that an electrical trade is just as rewarding as going to university and with
no HECS debt. What was once considered a dirty trade is now a clean trade and well paid.

“This is a great industry. The electrical industry is the original disruptor. One hundred years ago we brought light and electricity into homes, today we are making smart homes possible. It’s an exciting time to be entering the electrical trade.

“This national map will play a critical role in addressing the shortage of women in trade. However, this roadmap in itself will not solve the lack of women in trade in Australia. In order to address the shortage of women in the trade, we seek partnerships with governments so we can tap into 50% of the population. After all, it is governments that have the access to courses, education and
schools. NECA can then provide the subject matter expertise and industry pathways,” Manickam said.

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