TAFEs across Queensland are reporting that the number of women enrolling and obtaining qualifications is increasing.
Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer said it was well known that during the pandemic many women lost their jobs and this needed to be addressed.
“So far this financial year female enrolments across TAFE Queensland have increased by around 7,375 compared to the same period in 2019-20,” Ms Farmer said.
“Women enrolling in construction is the standout figure, with an increase of more than 200 when compared to the same period last financial year.”
She said there had also been big increases in women enrolling in automotive, engineering, hospitality and retail.
“There have been 38 more women in construction,156 more women in primary industries, 84 more women in laboratory operations and 40 more women in health who have graduated,” Ms Farmer said.
She said the Free TAFE and Free Apprenticeships programs were funding the training costs for women to take up in-demand apprenticeships, traineeships or other vocational education and training qualifications.
“This allows young people to focus on their studies and work without the worry of training debt,” Ms Farmer said.
“Employers, colleagues, industries, schools and parents need to continue playing their roles supporting more women to commence and complete their studies and to build careers in their trades of choice.”
She said that under the programs more than 30,500 young Queenslanders now had accessed free training, including more than 27,000 apprentices and trainees.
