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Making the transition to trades
Empowered Women in Trades – ForgeHer Trade Program
In Australia, only one out of a hundred trade apprenticeships are held by women. This shows a big gap between men and women in trades. With a shortage of skilled workers in all trades, organisations like Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) are working to change this by encouraging women and non-binary people to consider careers in trades.
Recently, CVGT Employment Wodonga teamed up with EWIT, which received a 2024 Community Grant, to offer the ForgeHer Trade Program to CVGT’s Transition to Work (TtW) participants. This two-day program, which ran on May 13 and 14, 2025 at Wodonga TAFE Trade Training Centre, aimed to help young women explore and succeed in trades.
Programs like ForgeHer are vital to provide women with a safe space to connect, grow in confidence and explore pathways they may never have considered without fear of failure. EWIT are grateful for the support of CVGT Employment and Wodonga TAFE.
Melinda Davis
Empowered Women In Trades General Manager
Participants gained hands-on experience in a variety of trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and more. They heard from experienced tradespeople and industry professionals, built confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment, and engaged with employers to learn about local opportunities.
The hands-on work was my favourite part. It made me want to become an electrician. It also showed me that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Bethany
CVGT Employment Participant
Why young women should consider a career in trades
Jodie Ward, Senior Business Development Consultant at CVGT Employment says, “Introducing our Transition to Work Participants to the trade industry is important not only to fill the current shortage of skilled workers but also to promote diversity and inclusion in the sector.”
Trades offer many career options, like carpentry and electrical work. These jobs can be very rewarding, both financially and personally, giving a sense of achievement and stability.
Jodie Ward
CVGT Employment Senior Business Development Consultant
Participants heard from young female trade apprentices about their journey to employment, challenges they’ve faced in carpentry, and what they love about their careers in trades.
Shaqu, a CVGT Employment Participant says, “Listening to Sarah inspired me to follow her path. I’ve always wanted to be a carpenter. I love hands-on work and enjoyed woodwork in high school. The program has motivated me to become a carpenter. I know I can do it. I don’t have to be scared anymore.”
Next steps for empowered Participants
The ForgeHer Trade Program has already made a big impact on its Participants. Of the ten female Transition to Work Participants, three had decided to enrol in an electrical apprenticeship by the end of day one of the program.
I never thought about a career in trades because it’s mostly men, but after the program, I now know there are supports for women. It’s changed how I see things.
Bethany
CVGT Employment Participant
The teamwork between CVGT Employment and EWIT is helping young women break into the trade industry. Grace, another TtW Participant, adds, “I can now think about trades as a career option.”
By joining Transition to Work and considering a career in trades, young women can help create a more diverse, inclusive, and skilled workforce.
It has shown me I can do anything I put my mind to.
Carla
CVGT Employment Participant
There are many opportunities, and the impact is huge. It’s time to forge a new path and empower the next generation of women in trades.
Start strong with Transition to Work
CVGT Employment’s Transition to Work program offers:
- Free support for youth aged 15-24.
- Support from our Apprenticeships and Traineeships team. Gain hands-on experience and expert advice in various trades.
- Help with resumes, applications, and cover letters.
- Assistance with housing, medical support, and qualifications.
- Follow-up support to ensure success.
Ready to start a career in trades?
CVGT Employment Apprenticeships & Traineeships are
- a pathway to a job you love.
- a great way to learn while you earn.
- one of the best ways to get training and qualifications that are highly regarded by business and industry.
Want to speak to someone? Call 132 848 or visit one of our CVGT Employment offices to speak with our friendly staff – find an office near you here.
About Empowered Women in Trades
Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) is dedicated to revolutionising the trades industry by empowering women and non-binary people to pursue careers in skilled trades. EWIT aims to create a future where women are represented, thriving, and making a significant impact in trades.
Visit EWIT to learn more about how you can support and join the mission to empower women in trades.
Together, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and skilled workforce.
