This paper outlines the results of research conducted with women enrolled at TAFE NSW's Illawarra Institute to train in manual trades traditionally dominated by males. The research is informed by the author's 14 years as a trade painter and decorator, and her experience as a trade teacher. 16 women from 10 trades (electrical, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, painting and decorating, signcraft, boiler-making, fitting and machining, automotive spraying and butchery) took part in the research, representing 34 per cent of the women training in non-traditional trades at Illawarra Institute....  [+] Show more

This paper outlines the results of research conducted with women enrolled at TAFE NSW's Illawarra Institute to train in manual trades traditionally dominated by males. The research is informed by the author's 14 years as a trade painter and decorator, and her experience as a trade teacher. 16 women from 10 trades (electrical, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, painting and decorating, signcraft, boiler-making, fitting and machining, automotive spraying and butchery) took part in the research, representing 34 per cent of the women training in non-traditional trades at Illawarra Institute. The findings of the report confirm the importance of informal networks in securing apprenticeships for women. Factors which supported these women to overcome obstacles were a love and passion for their chosen trade and a high level of tenacity and perseverance. Additional findings refute negative myths and gender-discriminatory statements about the capability of women to be effective tradespeople, such as their physical ability or the lack of childcare and family issues. Employer support was found to be crucial in helping women succeed in their trades and in guiding future gender shifts.

This paper is the result of a 2008 NCVER New Researcher Award.