Women in trades

Learning a trade could be your perfect career move

There’s never been a better time to be a woman in trades.

If you love using your hands, solving problems, working in a team and seeing your hard work pay off, learning a trade could be your perfect career move.

At VU Polytechnic, you’ll fit right in with our diverse and inclusive group of students and staff. You’ll develop hands-on skills, learn in state-of-the-art facilities, and build industry connections to lay the foundations of a fantastic career.

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Why consider a career in trades?

There are good reasons why more women are joining the skilled trades industry. To name a few:

  • you can earn great money
  • your skills will always be in high demand
  • you can enjoy hands-on, practical work every day  
  • you can work flexible hours in all different locations 
  • you’ll have opportunities to run your own business
  • you can work anywhere, with a nationally-recognised qualification.

Apply now

Find your trades course now and get started on an exciting career with VU Polytechnic.

Student stories

Sparking an electronics career

Jacinta happily receiving instruction from her teacher in a practical session

"The best thing about VU Polytechnic is the quality of teaching... [they're happy] to share their knowledge."

Jacinta Sapwell – Advanced Diploma of Electrical – Technology UEE61307

Jacinta's story

Keeping signs & graphics alive

Paris Doehmann standing in front of a display of signs

"This signwriting apprenticeship came up and I thought, 'This is way more exciting than sitting in a classroom and doing more exams.'"

Paris Doehmann – Certificate III in Signs and Graphics CPC30216

Paris' story

Plunging into a trades career

Hannah Wigg in the workshop, smiling in her work gear with protective glasses

"It's an awesome time to get into a trade as a woman, because there's so much support out there at the moment."

Hannah Wigg – Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC

Hannah's story

What trades can I do?

Female trade students learning at VU Polytechnic.

VU Polytechnic offers certificate and diploma courses in:

  • building and construction
  • carpentry and cabinet making
  • civil construction
  • electrical
  • engineering
  • plumbing
  • signage.

Browse our trades courses now.

Tips for women in trades

How a pre-apprenticeship can launch your trades career

female trade student smiling as she works on a carpentry project

A pre-apprenticeship lets you lay the foundations for an exciting career in trades.

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Women in Signwriting

Discover how three VU Polytechnic students are learning the tricks of the trade, as they build upon their skills in signage and graphics.

Transcript for Women in Signwriting

Women in Trades

VU Polytechnic is committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone is given equal opportunity to succeed.

Transcript for Women in Trades

Educator profiles

Maja Dakic

"Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues & friends from the same industry who can provide you with advice & guidance."

Maja – Senior Educator in Advanced Building at VU Polytechnic

Maja's story

Kyriaky Hadji

"To be a female in this sector now in 2022 is to be pushing boundaries, opening doors and inspiring other women to have the courage to follow."

Kyriaky – Teacher in cabinet making at VU Polytechnic

Kyriaky's story

Chloe Quilty

Chloe Quilty, teacher at VU Polytechnic

"Signwriting specifically is full of very creative beings and we have quite a few female apprentices, especially compared to other trades."

Chloe – Signs & graphics teacher at VU Polytechnic

Chloe's story

Support & community

As a proud partner of Tradeswomen Australia, we’re committed to empowering women in trades.

When you study with VU Polytechnic, you’ll be part of a passionate community and have access to support and resources to help set you up for success.

Some of the free support services we offer students include:

  •     apprentice support for help with any challenges during your apprenticeship – in the workplace, training or your personal life.
  •     learning hubs where you can get advice and guidance and improve your study and employability skills.
  •     counselling services for confidential mental health support when you need someone to talk to.