AMWU Breaking barriers: Women in trades and tech project
LET’S CHANGE THE CULTURE, BREAK DOWN THE BARRIERS AND MAKE TRADES A PLACE WHERE WOMEN CAN THRIVE.
Unsafe and disrespectful workplace cultures, and barriers to training and progression, continue to prevent women from coming into our industries — and from staying. The Breaking Barriers project is about changing that. In 2025, the AMWU ran a survey to hear directly from women about their experiences at work. The results, while unsurprising, were powerful — and simply not good enough.
About the project
The Breaking the Barriers Project is a national initiative led by the AMWU and funded by the Australian Government. It is designed to create real, meaningful opportunities for women to explore and enter trade careers - No experience required, just curiosity and a willingness to give it a go.
Through partnerships with TAFEs and industry leaders, we’re delivering over 20 short, hands-on courses across the country, giving over 250 women the chance to step into the world of trades in a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment.
But this project is about more than just training.
We’re working closely with companies to build better workplaces - Ones that are flexible, respectful, and welcoming to women. From improving culture to creating pathways for long-term employment, we’re helping industry take real steps toward inclusion.
Once these foundations are in place, we’ll connect participants with job opportunities through tailored events, site tours and direct engagement with employers who are genuinely committed to change.
Why It Matters
For women, it’s a chance to discover new career paths, gain practical experience, and build confidence in industries they may never have considered.
For companies, it’s an opportunity to lead the way in creating workplaces that reflect the diversity and strength of our communities.
For TAFEs, it’s a chance to be part of a national movement that’s reshaping the future of trades and making them more accessible, inclusive and exciting.
This is more than a project. It’s a movement that’s breaking down barriers and building up futures.
THE AMWU’s mission
Women are notably underrepresented in manufacturing trades such as automotive mechanics and electricians (3.5%), mechanical engineers (1%), panel beaters and vehicle body builders (3.4%). Having more women in the workplace has been shown to boost productivity levels, increase job satisfaction, increase employee retention and increase team building. People deserve a fair go in the workplace, regardless of gender. The AMWU wants to see more women on the tools. That's why we've partnered with TAFE’s and company’s to increase the representation of women in manufacturing trades.
The AMWU does and will continue to fight for :
Gender Equality
Diversity
Equal pay for equal work
Zero tolerance for sexual harassment
Access to job opportunities
Access to education, including female apprenticeships
The right to a workplace that is free from discrimination and workplace violence.
AMWU EVENTS
Try a Trade events
Try a Trade events are short, hands-on event designed to give women, girls and non-binary folks aged 15+ the opportunity to explore different manufacturing trades in a supportive and inclusive environment with no experience needed!
Spend a few hours at your local TAFE, where you’ll rotate through a variety of trade activities and get a real feel for what it’s like to work in the industry. This is your chance to get hands-on experience with trades like automotive, metalwork, welding and more.
Immerse yourself in the everyday life of a tradesperson
Use real equipment in a safe, guided setting
Connect with trainers and industry professionals who’ll share their insights and career journeys
Explore pathways into apprenticeships, short courses, and long-term careers
Whether you're exploring your options, considering a career change or just curious - Try a Trade is a fun, low-pressure way to discover what’s possible in the world of manufacturing.
Short course events
Short courses are designed to give women, girls and non-binary folks aged 15+ a real taste of what it’s like to work in the trades in a way that’s practical, supportive and inspiring.
Over a few weeks of part-time sessions at your local TAFE, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a range of manufacturing trades. Whether you're welding a steel frame, cutting metal or designing a project from scratch, you’ll be guided by expert trainers every step of the way.
Hands-on learning with real tools and materials
Create your own project from start to finish
Learn practical skills in areas like welding, metalwork and design
Connect with trainers and industry professionals
Explore career pathways and apprenticeship options
Whether you're just starting out, looking to change careers or simply curious, these short courses are a great way to learn by doing and see where a future in manufacturing could take you.
Site tours
Site Tours offer a rare opportunity to walk through the factory floors of real, working facilities and see firsthand how trades, technology, and teamwork come together to power Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Over the course of a few hours, participants will:
Tour active manufacturing sites in industries like automotive, food processing, metal fabrication, and advanced engineering
See machinery in action and learn how products are made from start to finish
Meet skilled professionals and hear their stories—from hands-on tradespeople to high-tech operators
Explore the variety of roles available in the sector, including apprenticeships and career pathways
Gain insight into workplace culture, innovation, and the future of manufacturing
These tours are designed to be welcoming, informative, and inspiring, for women and non-binary folks who are curious about entering the trades. It’s not just about seeing it’s about connecting, learning, and imagining what your future could look like in the industry
