Australia’s construction workforce crunch is pushing employers to widen the talent pool, and that includes actively recruiting more women into the trades. Jobs and Skills Australia has reported that nearly half of trade occupations were still in shortage in 2025, even as women made up just 11.5% of trade apprentices in training.
For bricklaying and blocklaying, the gap is even sharper. Women account for about 1% of bricklayers and stonemasons, making this one of the most gender-segregated areas on the job site. That matters for builders, developers, and mason contractors trying to keep housing, infrastructure, landscaping, paving, and restoration work moving.
Government programs are also adding pressure and support at the same time. The Australian Government’s Building Women’s Careers Program is investing $54.5 million in partnership projects to increase women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries. The Australian Skills Guarantee applies workforce targets, including targets related to women, to eligible Australian Government construction procurements valued at $10 million or more.
For women looking at a masonry career, the main pathway highlighted is the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. The qualification aligns with trade roles including bricklayer, blocklayer, and paver, and it can include specialist training in paving, refractory bricklaying, and traditional or heritage work.
For contractors who want to recruit and retain more women in masonry crews, the article points to practical support that can make a difference, including mentoring, workplace support, and clearer pathways into apprenticeships. It also notes the role of group training organisations, which employ apprentices and place them with host employers, giving apprentices broader site exposure while completing training through TAFE or another registered training organisation.
Read the full, original article from OCNJ Daily here.