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.
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](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/jacinta-sapwell-success-story_1.jpg)
"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 storyKeeping signs & graphics alive
![Paris Doehmann standing in front of a display of signs](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/paris-doehmann.jpg)
"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' storyPlunging into a trades career
![Hannah Wigg in the workshop, smiling in her work gear with protective glasses](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/hannah-wigg_0.jpg)
"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 storyWhat trades can I do?
![Female trade students learning at VU Polytechnic.](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/women-in-trades-students-working.jpg)
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](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/pre-apprenticeship-cabinetmaking.jpg)
A pre-apprenticeship lets you lay the foundations for an exciting career in trades.
Educator profiles
Maja Dakic
![](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/maja-dakic.jpg)
"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 storyKyriaky Hadji
![](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/kyriaky-hadji.jpg)
"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 storyChloe Quilty
![Chloe Quilty, teacher at VU Polytechnic](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/chloe-quilty-feature.png)
"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 storySupport & 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:
![Tradeswomen Australia logo](https://www.vupolytechnic.edu.au/sites/default/files/media/TWA%20Horizontal%20Transparent.png)
- 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.