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 (external link) and get started on an exciting career with VU Polytechnic.
Student stories
Sparking an electronics career
"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 (external link)Keeping signs & graphics alive
"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 (external link)Plunging into a trades career
"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 (external link)What trades can I do?
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 (external link).
Tips for women in trades
How a pre-apprenticeship can launch your trades career
A pre-apprenticeship lets you lay the foundations for an exciting career 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 (external link)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 (external link)Chloe Quilty
"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 (external link)Support & community
As a proud partner of Tradeswomen Australia (external link), 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 (external link) for help with any challenges during your apprenticeship – in the workplace, training or your personal life.
- learning hubs (external link) where you can get advice and guidance and improve your study and employability skills.
- counselling services (external link) for confidential mental health support when you need someone to talk to.