AS HSC results landed across New South Wales this week, Apprenticeship Support Australia is calling on school-leavers – especially young women – to consider apprenticeships and traineeships in industries crying out for skilled workers.

Half of all trades roles are experiencing a national shortage, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, compared to almost one in three or 29 per cent of all occupations.

ASA regional manager Jeffrey Cooke, said that despite an almost 80 per cent increase since 2019, women still represent just two per cent of qualified trade workers in industries with major skill shortages such as construction, electrotechnology and automotive.

“This gap highlights a significant opportunity for young women to step into stable, well-paid and future-focused careers,” Mr Cooke said.

“This is a timely moment for school leavers to step into a pathway that combines income, nationally recognised training and long-term career prospects.

“There are thousands of opportunities across the country, with employers actively looking for young people to learn on the job through an apprenticeship or traineeship.

“As Australia’s clean energy transformation accelerates, new roles are emerging in renewables, advanced manufacturing and energy-efficient construction.

“First Nations apprentices, women in trades and young people from all backgrounds are helping redefine what modern apprenticeships look like.

“Today, there’s a pathway to suit almost every interest, and every young person can find a place where they will thrive,” he said.

Data shows diversity matters.

Roles with stronger gender balance and broader participation face fewer shortages, while heavily male-dominated trades continue to be some of the hardest jobs to fill.

Kate Butler, an electrical fitting apprentice at Ampcontrol in Tomago said the best part for her was seeing how learning applies to the practical work, in real time and on the job.

“It can be daunting to break into a completely new space, but no one expects you to know anything in the beginning, and as long as you keep an open mind and have a willingness to learn, and curiosity, you’ll be fine. Confidence comes with time,” Ms Butler said.

For school-leavers who aren’t sure about what they want to do, ASA recommends they visit Skills Road and complete the free career quiz and job it test to learn about their skill set and which careers may suit them.