WOMEN in Construction Week in March revealed the number of women enrolling in construction trades courses in NSW more than doubled in the five years to 2025.
One local example is 20-year-old Coffs Harbour apprentice plumber Casey Cowgill, a self-described “accidental plumber”.
The daughter of a bricklayer, Casey is a proud Dunghutti woman who chose studying a trade at TAFE after deciding office life wasn’t for her.
She is now a second-year apprentice with Emerald Beach Plumbing.
“I just knew I couldn’t sit in an office for the rest of my life and I’m so glad I made the decision to enter plumbing,” she said.
It was a tough start financially but thanks to the support of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships, as a first year apprentice facing hardship, she received support.
The Scholarships provide funds up to $5,000 per year for three years.
“The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships money has been a massive help and gone towards tools, the costs of TAFE and everyday life expenses.
“It was a hard decision to start an apprenticeship because of the wages, but I know in the long run that it is an investment in my future.”
Working as a woman in a non-traditional trade, Casey is the only female in her TAFE class and says the scholarship has also made it easier for her to stay in the field.
“My TAFE NSW teachers are so experienced and supportive, and I really would encourage any other young women considering a plumbing career to go for it.”
TAFE NSW Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Construction and Energy, Jennifer Perkins, a qualified electrician by trade, said increasing female participation was strengthening both the culture and capability of worksites.
“TAFE NSW is training the majority of women entering construction-based trades in the Mid-North Coast region, and increasing female participation isn’t just important, it’s essential to meeting industry demand and growing the workforce,” Ms Perkins said.
“More women on worksites strengthens teams, boosts productivity and supports the long-term future of the industry.”
According to Economy ID, more than 4,100 people in the Coffs Harbour area are employed in the construction industry, making it the second largest local industry by employment, behind healthcare and social assistance.
By Andrea FERRARI
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